L.A. airport police official named to run TSA withdraws his nomination

Erroll G. Southers, assistant chief of airport police in Los Angeles, said today that he is withdrawing his nomination to lead the Transportation Security Administration.

President Obama named Southers in September to lead the federal agency that helps protect airline passengers from terrorist attacks.

In a statement, Southers said he is withdrawing because his nomination had become a political lightning rod. His confirmation has been blocked by Republican Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina, who says he is worried Southers would allow TSA employees to join a labor union.

Southers' nomination garnered strong support from law enforcement officials and elected officials in Southern California.

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