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Kerik withdraws as DHS nominee

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik withdrew Friday as President George W. Bush's choice as Homeland Security chief.

Kerik, who informed the White House Friday evening, said he made the decision for "personal reasons," according to a letter released by the White House.

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"While I will always consider your confidence in me to be the honor of a lifetime. I am

convinced that, for personal reasons, moving forward would not be in the best interests of

your administration, the Department of Homeland Security, or the American people," he said.

"I remain firm in my belief that I could have made valuable contributions to the department and its efforts. 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, 49, has come under fire over revelations that he made large amounts of money after he retired from the police force from a company that sold stun guns to the Department of Homeland Security. Kerik was a consultant to the company and a member of its board of directors.

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In a terse two sentence statement, White House spokesman said the President "respects his decision" and wishes him well.

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