Gramm had also suggested that the country was facing a "mental recession" instead of real economic problems. Gramm said in a statement late Friday that he is stepping down as a co-chair of the campaign to "end this distraction."
McCain adviser Gramm leaves
7/18/2008 NEW YORK The former U.S. senator from Texas and past presidential
candidate made the remarks earlier this month. McCain immediately
distanced himself from the comments, but they have been criticized
constantly as McCain tries to show he can help steer the country
past its current financial troubles.