WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) - Susan Rice, the current Ambassador to the United Nations, was at the top of Obama's short list of people to become the next Secretary of State. Although Obama praised her and defended her publicly, support has eroded for her nomination as Senate Republicans repeatedly grilled her over her response to the terrorist attacks in Benghazi on Sept. 11, 2012.

Originally, the administration said those attacks were a spontaneous demonstration turned violent, despite obvious evidence and early assessments that they were coordinated terrorist attacks. Those attacks resulted in the deaths of four Americans including the U.S. Ambassador to Libya.

Rice took responsibility for the administration's failure in the face of those attacks, although Obama also made comment during his second debate with Mitt Romney that he was responsible for what happened.

With Republicans looking to block her possible nomination, Obama found himself spending increasing amounts of political capital to keep her viable as a potential nominee.

Rice alter tweeted on her decision, "Those of you who know me know that I'm a fighter, but not at the cost of what's right for our country."

Insiders say that support for her nomination has started to wane in recent days as fiscal cliff negotiations take precedent. Amid this shift in favor, Rice opted to withdraw her name from consideration to spare everyone further turmoil.

Obama said he regretted her withdraw, but was understanding in the face of the circumstances.

Now, attention is turning to John Kerry, the former presidential candidate. Kerry is seen as a safe nomination for the post.

Rice will retain her position as Ambassador to the UN. Obama has already said that he would keep her close in his administration regardless of her decision.

© 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.