Former White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, considered a frontrunner to replace departing Attorney General Eric Holder, has withdrawn her name from consideration for the job.
A White House official tells NBC News that President Barack Obama had asked Ruemmler to consider the position but that she withdrew her name "on her own volition" this week.
"Kathy is someone who always tells it like it is, is a world-class lawyer, and remains a trusted advisor to the President," said White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. "Anyone who knows Kathy knows she has impeccable judgment, extraordinary foresight - and is a formidable force. But she is also as selfless as they come, and the President is proud to call her a close friend."
The White House has said a replacement for Holder will not be named until after the midterm election.