Shaheen resigns from Clinton campaign

A day after raising the issue of Obama's past drug use, Clinton's New Hampshire co-chairman says he doesn't want to be a distraction.

Published December 13, 2007 9:17PM (EST)

A day after creating a small firestorm by raising the issue of Barack Obama's past drug use, Billy Shaheen has just announced that he's resigning as New Hampshire and national co-chairman for the Hillary Clinton campaign.

In a statement just released by the campaign, Shaheen says: "I would like to reiterate that I deeply regret my comments yesterday and say again that they were in no way authorized by Sen. Clinton or the Clinton campaign. Sen. Clinton has been running a positive campaign focused on the issues that matter to America's families. She is the best qualified to be the next president of the United States because she can lead starting on day one. I made a mistake and in light of what happened, I have made the personal decision that I will step down as the co-chair of the Hillary for President campaign. This election is too important, and we must all get back to electing the best qualified candidate who has the record of making change happen in this country. That candidate is Hillary Clinton."

Clinton herself reportedly apologized to Obama for Shaheen's remarks earlier today.


By Tim Grieve

Tim Grieve is a senior writer and the author of Salon's War Room blog.

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