WASHINGTON. - John Bryson, U.S. Secretary of Commerce has resigned. In a letter to President Obama, Bryson said that he "decided to step down."
President Obama in an statement said "I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months, and wish him and his family the very best...As Secretary, John fought tirelessly for our nation's businesses and workers, helping to bolster our exports and promote American manufacturing and products at home and abroad," as reported on Yahoo News.
Bryon was on medical leave after being cited for a 'hit & run' felony. Earlier this month, police pulled over Bryson for hitting not one but two cars within five minutes in San Gabriel Valley, California on Saturday.
Bryson rear-ended the first car, a Buick, at a railway crossing before he drove off, "hitting the same car again as he left," according to the Associated Press. Within a few more minutes Bryson's Lexus hit another car. Bryson, 68, was found unconscious at the wheel and was treated for minor injuries in a near-by hospital. He has been released according to reports by CNN.
The police department released a statement announcing that alcohol or drug influences have been tentatively ruled out.
John Bryson was appointed by President Obama last October. He will continue to serve as advisor to Obama's Export Council. Rebecca Blank has replaced Bryson.
Even though Bryson lists medical reasons for his resignation, one can't help but speculate whether his resignation comes to save the Obama re-election campaign once less blow from the opposing party.
David Axelrod, senior Obama advisor, lightly dismissed this notion at a press conference when he was asked of the impact of Bryson's accident would impact the Obama campaign, he told CBS News that there are "bigger things on the minds of the American people, "as reported by CBS News.
