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US President Barack Obama speaks alongside US Trade Representative Ron Kirk (R) and Commerce Secretary John Bryson (L) about enforcing US trade rights as he accused China of breaking global trade rules by restricting exports of rare earth elements during a statement in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, March 13, 2012. Obama also pledged that the US would wield the full force of the law against a US soldier suspected of mounting a shooting rampage which killed Afghan civilians over the weekend. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

politics

John Bryson Resigns As Commerce Secretary After Seizure-Induced Car Crash

Commerce Secretary John Bryson has stepped down following a bizarre hit-and-run (and then a second car accident) that he said was caused by a seizure. "This is a critical period for our country's economy," Bryson wrote in a resignation letter to President Obama yesterday. "I have concluded that the seizure I suffered on June 9th could be a distraction from my performance as Secretary and that our country would be better served by a change in leadership of the Department." He will be replaced for now by his deputy, Rebecca Blank. "I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months, and wish him and his family the very best," Obama said in a statement. Although police said they were investigating the first crash as a potential felony, drugs and alcohol were not suspected in the accident(s) and Bryson has not been charged.

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Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images