Politics and Vetting Leave Key U.S. Posts Long Unfilled

As the White House races this week to plug holes in the cabinet, the lights remain off in essential offices across the Administration.

The vacancies, attributed to partisan politics and lengthy White House vetting, are slowing policy making in a capital already known for inaction, and embarrassing a president who has had more than five months since his re-election to fill many of the jobs. “I don’t think it’s ever been this bad,” said Rep Frank R. Wolf (R-VA), who recently wrote a letter urging President Obama to act swiftly to fill top vacancies. The White House faults an increasingly partisan confirmation process in the Senate and what officials say are over-the-top demands for information about every corner of a nominee’s life.