Bryson resigning as U.S. commerce secretary

WASHINGTON — Commerce Secretary John Bryson said today he is resigning from the Obama administration after suffering a seizure earlier this month in the Los Angeles area. President Barack Obama said in a statement that he had accepted the resignation and thanked Bryson for the “invaluable experience and expertise” he brought to the administration. Bryson, a 68-year-old former utility executive, served as a member of Obama’s economic team and has advised him on energy issues. He said in a letter to the president that he was concerned his seizure “could be a distraction” from his performance as secretary and said the nation would be better served by “a change in leadership” at the department. In a letter to Obama, dated Wednesday, Bryson made official his resignation and said it was a “consequence of a recent seizure and a medical leave of absence.” Earlier this month, Bryson transferred his functions and duties as secretary to Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank, who is now acting commerce secretary.