Citing immigration problems with a former housekeeper, Bernie Kerik has asked that President Bush withdraw his name from consideration to replace Tom Ridge for the top spot at the Department of Homeland Security. Kerik, apologized to the president and the country, stating that he had no idea his employee's immigration status was questionable.

In a press release, he stated that 'for a period of time during such employment, required tax payments and related filings had not been made.' Kerik claims that he first became aware of possible irregularities on Wednesday as he was filling out forms required for the confirmation process. The employee, who was also the Kerik family nanny, has since resigned.

Kerik wrote to Bush that, although this position would have been 'the honor of a lifetime,' he could not 'permit matters personal to me to distract from the focus and progress of the Department of Homeland Security and its crucial endeavors.'

Kerik also called the President Friday night to inform him on his decision. A White House statement issued later conveyed the President's best wishes to Kerik and his wife, Hala.

Kerik became a national figure after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. At the time, he was the city's police commissioner, and after having been trapped at New York's City Hall with former mayor, Rudy Giuliani, Kerik was on the scene as the first tower fell. He stood by Giuliani in the aftermath of the event, often appearing emotionally distraught.

When Giuliani left office, Kerik became a senior vice president of Giuliani Partners, a security firm.

Bush announced his Kerik's nomination on December 3, citing Kerik's 'broad practical hands-on experience makes [him] superbly qualified to lead the Department of Homeland Security.' Bush had sent Kerik to Iraq in 2003 to help train the newly formed Iraqi police force. Kerik reciprocated by campaigning for Bush and making a speech at the Republican National Convention in August.

Ridge, who resigned on November 30, plans to stay on the job until February 1.

Kerik may have faced tough questioning regarding his ties to Taser International. He collected more than $6 million in stock options as a board member of the company, which supplies stun guns to law enforcement agencies. Kerik planned to sever his ties with Taser International and Giuliani Partners, White House spokesman Brian Besanceney said.

Kerik is not alone in having immigration problems shatter plans for a Cabinet position. President Clinton's first choice for Attorney General, Zoe Baird had to withdraw in 1993 when it was disclosed that she had hired two illegal aliens and never paid taxes for them. A similar problem with Clinton's second nominee for the same post, Kimba Wood, forced her to withdraw as well.

Linda Chavez, who was Bush's first nominee for labor secretary in 2001, had to withdrew her nomination after it was discovered that she too had hired an illegal immigrant in the 1990s.