Obama suffers blow over nominees

News Resource BBC

Former Senator Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination as US health and human services secretary after a controversy involving unpaid taxes.

US President Barack Obama said he had accepted his nominee's withdrawal "with sadness and regret". It was revealed last week that Mr Daschle, an early Obama backer, had failed to pay some $130,000 in taxes.

His move came only hours after Nancy Killefer, nominated as budget watchdog, also withdrew over tax issues. The two high-profile withdrawals were the latest setbacks for Mr Obama as he seeks to form his new administration. Ms Killefer said she did not want a personal tax issue - reportedly concerning household help - to distract from Mr Obama's plans.