Senator Judd Gregg....Putting Principles Before Power

[I]t has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy. Obviously, the president requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives. I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position.

Now that's doing the right thing, for the right reason and withdrawing with a clear conscience. Lately, we've seen too many in the news that can't say the same thing. No wonder between the bank execs, politicians not paying their taxes but expecting us to follow the rules and so on that we lose trust in those that we elect into office. Gregg knew even before being placed into office that there were problems with idealogy. He knew in his heart that not only would he have to answer to the American people, his Republican party, but also to his own self. And that, maybe above anything else, weighed the heaviest on him. So again, good job on doing the right thing.