Rice Removes Name For Consideration As Secretary Of State

WASHINGTON (December 13, 2012)--Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration to be the next secretary of state Thursday after the embattled U.N. ambassador ran into a standoff with Republicans over an attack on Americans in Libya.

President Barack Obama, in a statement, said he accepted Rice's decision to remove her name from consideration.

Mr. Obama decried what he called "unfair and misleading attacks" on Rice in recent weeks.

A person familiar with the deliberations said support has been trending away from Rice for the past few days.

U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., is perceived internally to be the front-runner for the secretary of state position.

Former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel is also seen as the front-runner for Mr. Obama's next defense secretary.

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Poll Question

Southern Baptist messengers have passed a resolution opposing the Boy Scout’s policy on gay members and expressing support for churches that decide to sever ties with the scouts. What do you think your church should do?

Sever ties with the Boy Scouts

Maintain ties with the Boy Scouts

Not sure

Church has no ties with Boy Scouts

Not a church member

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