WASHINGTON — White House officials say Dawn Johnsen has withdrawn her bid to be confirmed as head of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel.
The Senate Judiciary Committee had recommended her confirmation on party-line votes. But several Republicans objected to Johnsen’s sharp criticisms of terrorist interrogation policies under President George W. Bush.
The full Senate never voted on her nomination.
Johnsen’s withdrawal was disclosed by officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel matter.