Contact: J.P. Duffy or Maria Donovan, both with Family Research Council, 866-FRC-News

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 /Standard Newswire/ -- Today former Senator Tom Daschle withdrew his name for consideration as a nominee to head up the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). From the beginning Senator Daschle has made clear his plans of running point for President Obama for a government takeover of our nation's health care system. Because of his anti-family record while in the Senate, Family Research Council has closely questioned his nomination.

Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council, had this to say:

"While the President expressed 'regret' at having to accept Senator Daschle's departure the question remains how his name was even under consideration after the discovery of his failure to obey the laws, many of which he himself helped write.

"Such a candidate, given his willful avoidance of the law and his anti-family record while in the Senate, is not the right person to be pushing forward U.S. health policy. While a U.S. Senator, Tom Daschle voted again and again for unrestricted abortion and to involve the U.S. taxpayer evermore deeply in the funding of abortion and Planned Parenthood-style programs that promote sexual activity and contraception to minor children.

"The American people expect and deserve more from their leaders in Washington, who are eager to pass laws they enforce on others but all too often ignore for themselves. The American people deserve a health care system that protects the unborn, respects conscience rights, and gives families - not bureaucrats -- the ability to choose what is and isn't covered. President Obama's next nominee for HHS should be chosen with more care than this last one."