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The “bipartisan thing” didn’t work for Judd Gregg, and it’s not going so well for Barack Obama either..

Doomed from the start, the New Hampshire senator withdrew his nomination as Commerce Secretary over differences with the White House about who should oversee the Census.

Gregg’s statement confirms this:

“However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.”

Then, in the best traditions of politics, he then unsheathes the sword.

“Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiative.”

Ouch.

This makes two nominees for commerce secretary who have withdrawn their nominations.