HUD secretary to resign

Controversial Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Alphonso Jackson is expected to announce his resignation Monday following allegations of cronyism.

The allegations have been tabled by several congressional lawmakers following his refusal to answers questions about his role in a Philadelphia redevelopment deal. Jackson is believed to have tried to punish the city's housing authority for nixing a deal involving a close personal friend of his Kenny Gamble.

A news conference is scheduled for 9.45a.m on Monday and if as expected Mr. Jackson does step down, it would remove a key player from the administration team dealing with the mortgage crisis.

Earlier this month, Senators Patty Murray of Washington state and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut said that Jackson's problems represented a 'worsening distraction' at HUD at a time when the nation needs a credible housing secretary who is beyond suspicion.