Another ineffective Bush appointee tenders his resignation.

Lester Crawford, the Administrator of the Food and Drug Administration, unexpectedly resigned today, citing his age and saying it was time to step aside.

As you recall, Crawford is the obstructionist who refuses to allow emergency contraception to be offered over-the-counter, despite a panel of experts overwhelmingly recommending - twice - that the FDA do so.

I found this description of Crawford a little disturbing:

An affable veterinarian who specialized in food safety...

It makes you wonder what happened to his patients who didn't make it...

But that bit of snark is beside the point. Crawford went back on his word, given to Senators during his confirmation hearing, that he would have a final decision on EC by the end of August. His obviously politically-motivated stalling tactics have gotten him exactly what he deserves.

This of course begs the question, who will Crawford's replacement be? There's little doubt that the President will nominate another crony with dubious credentials to this post charged with protecting the health and safety of our food and medication.

The FDA is supposed to be an independent regulatory agency. This is the time to insist that the President nominate someone who will act independently and that our Senators not give empty promises a pass during confirmation hearings. This President and this Senate (both parties) have demonstrated a severe dereliction of duties in the way the nomination, advice and consent process is conducted.

Somebody in D.C. needs to stand up for principles and ensure competent officials are put into crucial posts at all levels of federal government.

With the resignations of Brownie and now Crawford, the message is clear: the time for partisan ideological hacks is over.