Kerik Bows Out As Homeland Nominee

Reluctantly, but with apparent good reason, Bernard Kerik withdrew his name from being considered as Secretary of Homeland Security. In a statement released last night, Kerik revealed that he had recently employed a Mexican housekeeper of questionable immigration status and had also failed to make required tax payments and paperwork submittals. This fact would have undercut his ability to effectively direct the activities of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

It needs to be noted that there are other hard-to-explain smudges on Kerik's resume involving unusual financial arrangements and alleged private use of public employees.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said a new candidate would be named soon.