Obama's Pick for NHTSA Head Withdraws

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- President Obama's pick to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration withdrew his name for consideration last week, the Associated Press reported.

In April, the Obama administration spoke of plans to nominate Chuck Hurley, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He was, however, never formally nominated.

While heading MADD, Hurley has pushed states to implement tougher drunk driving laws and require first-time DUI offenders to use ignition interlock devices on their vehicles.

But some critics had raised concerns about Hurley's ties to the auto industry, since MADD has received funding from several automakers, AP reported. NHTSA sets both fuel-efficiency standards and safety requirements.

The White House and MADD declined to comment on Hurley's reasons for taking himself out of the running for the NHTSA position, AP reported.