President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Labor, CKE Restaurants CEO Andy Puzder, withdrew his name from consideration Wednesday.

His Senate hearing was scheduled for the next day.

Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell informed the White House that Puzder lacked the votes necessary for confirmation, effectively ending any effort to save his nomination.

Puzder was the focus of an intense smear campaign by union-backed protesters, Fight for $15 activists and Democrat Senators in Washington.

CKE Restaurants owns the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. brands. He has been a vocal critic of then-President Barack Obama’s labor policies and the Fight for $15.

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