- WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President
Bush's pick to become homeland security secretary, former New York police
commissioner Bernard Kerik, abruptly withdrew his nomination for the job
on Friday night.
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- The move came after news organizations raised some potential
problems about Kerik, including his profitable membership on the board
of Taser International, the stun-gun maker.
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- In addition, The New York Times said that in 2002, he
paid a fine for using a police sergeant and two detectives to research
his autobiography.
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- Kerik, 49, nominated by Bush little more than a week
ago, said in a letter to the president requesting his name be withdrawn
that he appreciated the trust Bush had in him. The letter was released
by the White House.
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- "Under the present circumstances, however, I cannot
permit matters personal to me to distract from the focus and progress of
the Department of Homeland Security and its crucial endeavors," Kerik
wrote.
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- "For these reasons, I must ask you to withdraw my
nomination. I personally apologize to you for not having focused on this
earlier," Kerik wrote. He did not elaborate on the "personal
matters."
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- White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the Bush administration
"will move as quickly as we can to name someone else to fill the position."
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- "Commissioner Kerik informed the White House this
evening that he is withdrawing his name for personal reasons from consideration
for secretary of homeland security. The president respects his decision,"
McClellan said in a statement. He added that the president spoke with Kerik
at 8:30 p.m. EDT
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- TRAINED IRAQI POLICE
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- With a wide range of experience that includes training
Iraqi police, Kerik had appeared headed toward Senate confirmation to succeed
Tom Ridge, the first secretary of homeland security.
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- Bush said when he selected Kerik that the one-time Manhattan
beat cop "understands the duties that came to America on Sept. 11"
by being at the twin towers when they collapsed, seeing the faces of the
rescuers and attending the funerals of police officers killed.
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- Taser said that Kerik intended to step down if he was
confirmed by the Senate, but acknowledged that Kerik and the company would
have to tread lightly in any future dealings.
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- Kerik joined Taser's board in May 2002. Last month Kerik
cashed in 177,000 of his Taser shares, pocketing $6.8 million, according
to regulatory filings. Kerik does not own any more shares of Taser, filings
show.
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- Taser shares, after lingering in the single digits early
this year, shot up above $30 on a split-adjusted basis by the spring.
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- As a board member, Kerik earned $1,250 per board meeting,
which usually occurred around five times a year. Kerik also often acted
as a spokesman for the company at law enforcement trade shows.
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- Taser stun guns are used many police departments throughout
the United States. The company has come under pressure lately from groups
calling for more safety analysis of the weapons.
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- Taser has been pushing to expand its stun gun use at
the federal level. In September the company said the U.S. Army National
Guard placed an order for 360 stun guns.
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- Last month the Transportation Security Administration,
which also comes under the department's jurisdiction, approved the use
of Tasers on Korean Air Lines flights to and from the United States, a
move that Taser said could open the door for more of its stun guns on airlines.
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- Additional reporting by Steve Holland
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- © Reuters 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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