LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Acierno has resigned two days after he survived a difficult confirmation battle.

Acierno turned in a resignation letter Friday to Gov. Pete Rickets. It was effective at 5 p.m. Friday.

Ricketts says he’s sorry Acierno is leaving and says his work helped countless Nebraskans.

Senators voted 34-6 on Wednesday to confirm Acierno one day after rejecting him.

Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha filed a motion to reconsider the vote, arguing that senators should give Acierno a chance under a new governor’s administration.

Some lawmakers say Acierno has been arrogant and blocked reform efforts in the Department of Health and Human Services.

He was appointed in 2013 by then-Gov. Dave Heineman and reappointed by Ricketts in December.