Second TSA nominee withdraws

WASHINGTON, March 27 (UPI) -- U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Harding says he has withdrawn his name from consideration as head of the Transportation Security Administration.

"Distractions caused by my work as a defense contractor would not be good for this Administration nor the Department of Homeland Security," Harding said in a statement Friday.

President Barack Obama was disappointed by Harding's withdrawal, the White House said.

Harding was the second Obama nominee to withdraw from consideration for the post. Los Angeles airport police executive Errol Southers withdrew in January. Southers blamed stalling tactics by Republicans, but his withdrawal also followed disclosures that he gave lawmakers misleading information about job conduct incidents 20 years ago.

Harding withdrew days after senators questioned his dealings as a military contractor who provided services ranging from Iraq war interrogators to private guards at the White House.

Privately, Harding was said to be frustrated by the confirmation process, The Washington Post reported Saturday.