Commerce Secretary Bryson resigns, cites seizure

WASHINGTON -- Commerce Secretary John Bryson has resigned, saying the seizure that he suffered on June 9 that led to two Southern California hit-and-run accidents could be a distraction on the job.

"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," Bryson wrote to President Barack Obama in a letter dated Wednesday.

Bryson informed Obama of his decision on Wednesday night, and the president announced yesterday that he had accepted the resignation.

"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," said Obama, who planned to meet with Bryson Thursday to thank him for his tenure.

Bryson, 68, a former chief executive at Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, was found unconscious on June 9 behind the wheel of his Lexus. He had hit two cars, one of them twice, authorities said. Bryson was hospitalized overnight, and tests showed no drugs or alcohol were involved.