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UNITED STATES
Homeland security pick withdraws
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Bernard Kerik
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President George W. Bush's choice to become homeland security secretary, former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, withdrew his nomination Dec. 10, saying he had not paid taxes for a nanny and housekeeper who may have been an illegal immigrant.
Kerik, 49, nominated by Bush on Dec. 3, said in his withdrawal letter to the president that he discovered the problems about his housekeeper and nanny while completing documents required for Senate confirmation to the post, whose duties include enforcement of immigration laws.
The announcement came after news organizations raised questions about some of Kerik's business dealings, including his profitable membership of the board of Taser International, the stun-gun maker that is seeking to sell more of its devices to the federal government.
In addition to the questions about Taser, The New York Times said that in 2002, Kerik paid a fine for using a police sergeant and two detectives to research his autobiography.
The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 18, 2004 (C) All rights reserved
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