Down Goes Tommy

Another corrupt nominee bites the dust.

Former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle withdrew his nomination as President Barack Obama's health secretary on Tuesday, saying he did not want to be a distraction after paying $140,000 in back taxes.

"This morning, Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for secretary of health and human services," Obama said in a statement. "I accept his decision with sadness and regret." Daschle, who had been tapped to lead a major reform of the costly U.S. healthcare system, said in a statement he was withdrawing because he did not want to be a distraction.