Obama’s second choice for Commerce Secretary, Republican Judd Gregg, has abruptly withdrawn his nomination, saying he felt he “couldn’t be Judd Gregg” in an Obama cabinet, writes Politico.

“Although one White House aide said he was ‘blindsided’ by the news, chief of staff Rahm Emanuel said Gregg signaled to the administration earlier in week that he was having second thoughts and Obama met with him Wednesday at the White House to urge him to stay.

“In an on-plane briefing as the president flew on Air Force One to Springfield on Thursday evening, Gibbs said that Gregg told the president of his decision to withdraw in a telephone call on Wednesday. “

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