December 11, 2004 -- The man President George Bush nominated for homeland security chief has withdrawn his name from consideration, the White House said Friday.

Bernard Kerik, a former New York City police commissioner, withdrew for personal reasons, presidential press secretary Scott McClellan said.

McClellan said Kerik phoned Bush Friday evening to break the news. He also put his decision in writing.

Kerik was to replace the first homeland security chief, Tom Ridge, but he proved to be a controversial choice.

Kerik made millions of dollars from Taser International, a company that produces stun guns and has sold them to the Homeland Security Department.

Critics said Kerik was in conflict of interest because the company wants to continue doing business with the department.

Written by CBC News Online staff