Gregg withdrew because the GOP knew if he took the job at Commerce the Democratic governor might appoint a democrat to fill his spot, thus giving the Dems a filibuster proof majority of 60.

Here's one article of many on the topic.

Reports that President Barack Obama may nominate Republican Senator Judd Gregg as secretary of commerce have fueled speculation that New Hampshire's Democratic governor might appoint a Democrat to fill Gregg's seat.

Senate Minority Whip Sen. John Kyl (R-AZ), however, in an appearance on Fox News Sunday, did not seem overly concerned about this prospect. "I think that's been thought through," he told host Chris Wallace. "I suspect that Senator Gregg has thought that through very carefully and would not leave his Republican colleagues in the lurch."

His "priniciples" are his smoke screen. Now please cut the bullshit. It's getting sickening.