Hans von Spakovsky, Bush's embattled nominee for the Federal Election Commission, has withdrawn his name from consideration.
This just broke over the AP SFGate
Bush "reluctantly accepted" von Spakovsky's request, the White House said.
I could have used "BREAKING" in the title, but you know...I really hate that.
In a letter to Bush, von Spakovsky said the long-stalled process has been extremely hard on his family.
Methinks he needs a WAAAAHHHHHHAMBULANCE. F'n WATB.
Much has been written over the past year or so here on von Spakovsky. I recommend Adam B's excellent diary from last week:
Bush's FEC Ploy: Save McCain, Save Hans
Kagro X posted several diaries on the subject:
9/26/2007: Von Spakovsky to slip through?
9/27/2007: The coming Von Spakovsky debacle
10/4/2007: Von Spakovsky watch
10/4/2007: More on the Von Spakovsky Vote
Update epluribusmedia has an excellent 3-part series:
Part 1: Hans Von Spakovsky: Right choice for FEC Commissioner?
Part 2: Hans in the Sockpuppet
Part 3: Permanent Recess Appointment
Harry Reid's statement:
"I welcome the President's decision to withdraw the controversial nomination of Mr. von Spakovsky. It is an action I have repeatedly urged the President to take for more than six months. Democrats stood united in their opposition to von Spakovsky because of his long and well-documented history of working to suppress the rights of minorities and the elderly to vote. He was not qualified to hold any position of trust in our government.
"His withdrawal today is a victory for our electoral process. With Mr. von Spakovsky now removed, I anticipate that we will be able to swiftly put a functioning FEC in place. That too is what the American people deserve."