Earlier in the week we received a statement from the Press Secretary saying Bernard Kerik was being nominated to head the Homland Security Dept. Due to recent events Mr. Kerik has withdrawn his name from nomination. Here is the White House statement and a little background info:

The following is a statement by the White House Press Secretary.
Commissioner Kerik informed the White House this evening that he is withdrawing his name for personal reasons from consideration for Secretary of
the Department of Homeland Security.  The President respects his decision, and wishes Commissioner Kerik and his wife, Hala, well.

SOURCE White House Press Office
Web Site: http://www.whitehouse.gov

The personal attorney for Bernard Kerik says the former New York Police Commissioner decided on his own to withdraw as the nominee to head the Homeland Security Department.

Kerik called President Bush yesterday to tell him he's taking himself out of the running after learning there are questions about the immigration status of a nanny he had employed.

His attorney says Kerik “who uncovered this on his own'''' brought it himself to the White House's attention.

His nomination had been widely praised by both Democrats and Republicans.

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said in a telephone interview Friday night that he's disappointed but agrees with the decision given the Homeland Security Director's responsibility for immigration.

The White House is now searching for someone else to fill the spot being vacated by Tom Ridge.