Breaking news from Talking Points Memo...

After a five-month standoff, Hans von Spakovsky has withdrawn his name as a nominee to the FEC. The move likely clears the way for the deadlock over the FEC to be resolved.

You can read his resignation here.

"It is with regret that I write to request that you withdraw my nomination," Spakovsky wrote in a letter to the President today. In his letter, Spakovsky explains that Democrats' opposition to his nomination has caused a battle that has been "extremely hard on my family and quite frankly, we do not have the financial resources to continue to wait until this matter is resolved."

Democrats have opposed Spakovsky's nomination ever since last year, but it was the opposition of Sens. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Russ Feingold (D-WI), who refused to allow any vote on the nominees together, that ultimately led to his withdrawal.

Read more about Barack's leadership in protectecting and promoting voting rights here...

One of the core principles of Barack's candidacy is expanding our democracy and breaking down barriers that hinder participation. We can't build a lasting movement for change unless everyone -- especially the least powerful in our society -- are afforded equal opportunity to participate in our democracy.

Celebrate this victory for voting rights by participating in a Vote for Change event in your local community. 

Yes we can.