Kerik Withdraws His Name for DHS Chief

The Associated Press has the announcement of Kerik's withdrawal from consideration. Kerik cited "personal reasons" for his withdrawal. But another AP article gives further details: Kerik discovered that a nanny he had once employed had doubtful immigration status--an untenable conflict of interest in an official who would oversee the agency responsible for enforcement of immigration law. Kerik is no fool. Even a Democratic nominee for a Cabinet post can't finesse a conflict like that; consider Zoe Baird, Clinton's original choice as AG. Give Kerik credit for deciding not to try.

That sends Bush back to the blackboard. Once again, I recommend that he not choose Asa Hutchinson, the current undersecretary in charge of border and transportation security. Will Rudy Giuliani get back into the race? Time will tell.