THE Obama Administration has suffered another setback in its quest to fill important posts.

Charles Freeman, the President's choice for a major intelligence position, has withdrawn his name, blaming pro-Israel lobby groups, which he said had "plumbed the depths of dishonour and indecency" to quash his appointment.

The latest setback in filling important jobs in the Administration comes as it faces a barrage of criticism over the slow pace of appointments, particularly posts in Treasury.

It also follows several other withdrawals by prominent nominees, including two candidates for secretary of commerce - the New Mexico governor, Bill Richardson, and a Republican senator, Judd Gregg - and President Barack Obama's first choice for the important health portfolio, Tom Daschle.

These withdrawals involved investigations about political fund-raising, or the failure to pay tax. In Senator Judd's case it represents a failure of Mr Obama's attempt for bipartisanship in preparing his stimulus package.