The Wall Street Journal-20080130-Bush Pick Withdraws After Senate Delays

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Bush Pick Withdraws After Senate Delays

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WASHINGTON -- One of President Bush's nominees for the Council of Economic Advisers has withdrawn from consideration because of delays in the Senate confirmation process, the White House said.

Dennis Carlton, one of two nominees to fill two vacancies on the three-member committee, has abandoned his nomination. "This is a blow to CEA," said Chairman Edward Lazear.

Mr. Bush nominated Mr. Carlton and Donald Marron to fill the vacancies last summer. The Senate Banking Committee has yet to hold confirmation hearings, though neither nominee is considered controversial. The CEA hasn't been at full strength since last February, a situation the White House says will challenge its economic team as it tackles the housing downturn, rising energy prices and a potential recession.

White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore said the president is "deeply disappointed" that political gridlock has discouraged a qualified nominee.