(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
"When they go after the @placeholder ambassador, apparently because they think she's an easy target, then they've got a problem with me."
It was "better to get out now" so that @placeholder could begin announcing a national security slate as early as next week.