Ralston withdraws from Joint Chiefs consideration

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Air Force Gen. Joseph Ralston, who admitted to an adulterous affair, withdrew his name from consideration Monday for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, CNN has learned.

Ralston made his decision after spending much of the day reviewing his chances in meetings with Defense Secretary William Cohen and Capitol Hill leaders. The Pentagon planned a formal statement later Monday.

After the hour-long meeting with Cohen, it was left up to Ralston to decide, sources said. The embattled candidate apparently decided the legacy of his affair with a civilian woman in the 1980s, when he was separated from his wife, was too much to overcome.

Cohen initially stood by Ralston, but critics accused the Pentagon of a double standard, saying others such as Air Force 1st Lt. Kelly Flinn were singled out and penalized for sexual scandals.

The job for which Ralston was being considered is the nation's highest military post.

The current Joint Chiefs chairman, Army Gen. John Shalikashvili, is set to step down this fall, and said he would not stay on for another two-year term. Ralston currently is Shalikashvili's deputy.

Correspondent Carl Rochelle contributed to this report.

• Message Board: Military sex scandals

Related stories:

• Insiders say Ralston will withdraw as Joint Chiefs candidate - June 8, 1997
• Pentagon panels to examine adultery, gender issues - June 7, 1997
• Colin Powell's advice sought on Joint Chiefs nomination - June 6, 1997
• Ralston on list for top U.S. officer despite affair - June 5, 1997

Related sites:

• Air Force Biography for General Ralston
• Joint Chiefs of Staff

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