WASHINGTON — A top aide to President Barack Obama says Tom Daschle withdrew his Cabinet nomination because he knew the Senate confirmation process would be protracted and he did not want to distract from Obama's agenda.

David Axelrod met privately with Democratic senators in the Capitol today. Afterward he told reporters that Daschle "felt deeply embarrassed, as he said, about the mistake that he made."

Daschle, a former senator, had to pay overdue taxes and interest for a car service given to him by a friend.

Axelrod said Daschle called the White House this morning and said he "did not want to be a distraction." Axelrod said Daschle, who was nominated to head Health and Human Services, did not speak to Obama.