(CNN) -- Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who drew heavy criticism from Republicans over her statements after the September attacks on a U.S. diplomatic mission, withdrew her name from consideration for secretary of state on Thursday. In a letter to President Barack Obama, she said "the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive, and costly -- to you and to our most pressing national and international priorities. That trade-off is simply not worth it to our country." Obama acknowledged her letter in a statement that described her as "an extraordinarily capable, patriotic, and passionate public servant." He will meet with Rice Friday at the White House, National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said.
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NEW: Sen. Harry Reid: Republican attacks on Rice's character were "shameful"
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Susan Rice withdraws from consideration as secretary of state
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Nomination would be "be lengthy, disruptive, and costly," she says in letter to president
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Republican critics "respect" Rice's decision, vow to continue Benghazi inquiry
White House
She said her comments were based on declassified talking points, and sources within the intelligence community said the talking points were not modified by any other body, such as the @placeholder.
United Nations
"When they go after the @placeholder ambassador, apparently because they think she's an easy target, then they've got a problem with me."
Barack Obama
Obama
It was "better to get out now" so that @placeholder could begin announcing a national security slate as early as next week.
U.S.
U.S.
"As someone who grew up in an era of comparative bipartisanship and as a sitting @placeholder national security official who has served in two U.S. administrations, I am saddened that we have reached this point, even before you have decided whom to nominate," she wrote.