John Bryson resigning as US commerce secretary following seizure
U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson waits for U.S. President Barack Obama to speak about government reform in the East Room of the White House January 13, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Photographer: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
Posted: 06/21/2012
WASHINGTON - Commerce Secretary John Bryson says he is resigning after suffering a seizure earlier this month in the Los Angeles area.
President Barack Obama says in a statement that he has accepted the resignation and thanks Bryson for the "invaluable experience and expertise" he brought to the administration.
Bryson says in a letter to Obama that he is concerned his seizure "could be a distraction" from his performance as secretary and says the nation would be better served by "a change in leadership" at the department.
Earlier this month, Bryson transferred his functions and duties as secretary to Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank, who is now acting commerce secretary.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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