Commerce Secretary John Bryson resigns

June 21, 2012 at 10:24 a.m. | Updated June 21, 2012 at 11:44 a.m.

by The Associated Press

FILE-This March 29, 2012 file photo shows U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson during a session organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Mumbai, India. Police are investigating two traffic collisions allegedly caused Bryson that left him injured, authorities said Monday June 11, 2012. One of the crashes was under investigation as a felony hit and run, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department and the San Gabriel Police Department said.
FILE-This March 29, 2012 file photo shows U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson during a session organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Mumbai, India. Police are investigating two traffic collisions allegedly caused Bryson that left him injured, authorities said Monday June 11, 2012. One of the crashes was under investigation as a felony hit and run, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department and the San Gabriel Police Department said.

WASHINGTON — Commerce Secretary John Bryson says he is resigning after suffering a seizure earlier this month in the Los Angeles area.

President Barack Obama says in a statement that he has accepted the resignation and thanks Bryson for the "invaluable experience and expertise" he brought to the administration.

Bryson says in a letter to Obama that he is concerned his seizure "could be a distraction" from his performance as secretary and says the nation would be better served by "a change in leadership" at the department.

Earlier this month, Bryson transferred his functions and duties as secretary to Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank, who is now acting commerce secretary.

Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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