U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice has withdrawn her name from consideration to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, NBC News reports:
“If nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly – to you and to our most pressing national and international priorities,” Rice wrote in a letter to President Obama, saying she’s saddened by the partisan politics surrounding her prospects.
“That trade-off is simply not worth it to our country…Therefore, I respectfully request that you no longer consider my candidacy at this time,” she wrote in the letter obtained by NBC News.
President Obama shortly after announced that he has accepted her decision to withdraw, lamenting partisan attacks that plagued Rice following the attacks in Benghazi, Libya.
“While I deeply regret the unfair and misleading attacks on Susan Rice in recent weeks, her decision demonstrates the strength of her character, and an admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our national interests first,” Obama said via a statement.
Rice will continue to serve as U.N. Ambassador and a “key member of my cabinet and national security team,” Obama added.
