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UN Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew her name for consideration for Secretary of State, saying the criticism surrounding her comments on Benghazi had become an “irresponsible distraction.” Rice has been criticized by the GOP for her response to questions about  the terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.

Rice wrote in a letter to President Obama today, “I am fully confident that I could serve our country ably and effectively in  that role. However, if  nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly to you and to our most pressing national and  international priorities. That trade-off is simply not worth it to our country.”

UN Ambassador Rice continued, “The position of Secretary of State should never be politicized. As someone who grew up in an era of comparative bipartisanship and as a sitting  U.S. national security official who has served in two U.S. Administration, I am  saddened that we have reached this point, even before you have decided whom to nominate. We cannot afford such an irresponsible distraction from the most pressing issues facing the American people.”

As President Obama accepted Rice’s decision to remove her name from the running, he said in a written statement, “While I deeply regret the unfair and misleading attacks on Susan Rice in  recent weeks, her decision demonstrates the strength of her character, and an  admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our  national interests first,”  “The American  people can be proud to have a public servant of her caliber and character  representing our country.”