The Obama administration's choice to lead the Transportation Security Administration is withdrawing his nomination.
In a statement, Erroll Southers says he is withdrawing because his nomination has become a lightning rod for those with a political agenda. Obama tapped Southers to lead the TSA in September but his confirmation has been blocked by Republican Sen. Jim DeMint, who says he's worried Southers would allow TSA employees to join a labor union.
The White House says the president has accepted Southers' decision with great sadness.