Embattled TSA Nominee Erroll Southers Withdraws

President Obama's choice to head the Transportation Security Administration withdrew Wednesday amid charges that he illegally obtained private information about his wife's ex-boyfriend, the Washington Post reports. Erroll Southers, a former FBI agent and homeland security specialist, faced growing opposition from Republicans after the Post reported two incidents involving his use of a federal database to snoop on his wife's ex.

Southers was presented as a leader who would streamline the TSA's sprawling operations and prevent such incidents as the Christmas Day bombing attempt aboard a Detroit-bound airliner. The transportation administration has been leaderless for months, and continued delay is expected to affect its operations.

In a statement released by the White House, Southers criticized Republicans for what he considers a politically motivated attack on his character. "It is apparent that this path has been obstructed by political ideology," he said. "My nomination has become a lightning rod for those who have chosen to push a political agenda at the risk of the safety and security of the American people. This partisan climate is unacceptable and I refuse to allow myself to remain part of their dialogue."