On June 24, 2004, the Senate unanimously confirmed the appointment of John Danforth to fill the ambassadorial position in the United Nations.  Just five months later, the former Senator has submitted his resignation.

His letter to the president cites a desire to spend more time with his wife in his declaration to return to private life.  Sally Danforth, to whom the Ambassador has been married 47 years, is reported to have suffered medical problems recently.

Danforth had only positive comments about his work at the U.N. and the President in his letter.  He wrote, "It has been an important time to be in this position, especially as we attempt to enlist greater UN participation in the future of Iraq, and as we advance the interest you have personally shown in helping the desperate people of Sudan."

However, Danforth had expressed strong frustration with the General Assembly just last week after a vote of no action on a resolution in response to the ongoing  human rights violations in Sudan, which the United States has called genocide.  The Sudan has been an ongoing concern for Danforth long before his appointment ambassador.   In 2001, Bush appointed Danforth as his envoy to help mediate between warring factions in Sudan.

Initially, Citizens for Global Solutions had several concerns regarding Danforth’s nomination which were linked to his voting record as a Senator.  These concerns were largely laid to rest during Danforth’s nomination hearing.