Breaking: Daschle Withdraws as HHS Secretary Nominee

Daschle has withdrawn, according to several breaking news alerts, but very few details thus far.

Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination to be Health and Human Services secretary.

That's according to a joint White House statement from President Barack Obama and his former nominee.

Obama said Tuesday he accepted the withdrawal "with sadness and regret."

Daschle has been battling for his nomination since it was disclosed he failed to pay more than $120,000 in taxes.

He said he's withdrawing because he's not a leader who has the full faith of Congress and will be a distraction.

This, and the Killefer withdrawal, are just speed bumps in an "otherwise exceedingly smooth" Obama administration transition, right MSM?

Update: Obama administration nominees are at odds with public on attitudes about tax compliance.

Update: Obama was meeting with all the network anchors today to drum up support for the stimulus plan, which is sailing closer and closer to the rocks this week. The White House briefing is about to start, where Gibbs' mission was undoubtedly the same. Guess what they're gonna talk about now?