Very Interesting. Very, very interesting. Flash from Drudge.

Senator Gregg Statement on His Withdrawal for Consideration of U.S. Commerce Secretary

Sen. Gregg stated, “I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.

“However, it 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.

“As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the President’s proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine.

“Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.

“As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”

This pretty much confirms that the Democrats plan to manipulate the census. Michael Barone commented early on that it might just be worth losing Gregg in the Senate for his oversight of the census as Secretary of Commerce. The Crats didn't find that very appealing and soon afterwards the Obama critters announced he was being cut out of the loop by having the Census Director report directly to the White House.

Gregg wasn't having none of it, and withdrew his candidacy.

I guess that whole smart-guy image is pretty much toast at this point. Just like the campaign, a week can't go by without a serious blunder. Finally a nominee who actually pays his taxes and he takes a hike because the White House doesn't meet HIS ethical standards. It would be funny if it wasn't so scary.

Let's assess the damage, just for fun...

1. The one cabinet secretary nominee who actually pays his taxes pulls out because the White House doesn't meet HIS ethical standards.

2. The super-secret plan to screw with the census is public knowledge before the first census-taker gets a clipboard. Attorneys are preparing lawsuits as we speak.

3. The blunder counter just ticked over...again.

4. Obama has run out of doubt-benefits.