The ongoing saga of US President Barack Obama's staffing problems continue. Three weeks into his term, and his government is still not assembled. Judd Gregg, named to the post of Commerce Secretary, turned down the offer on Wednesday. The Republican senator would have been an important symbol in Obama’s attempts to put together a bipartisan government.

Explaining his decision, Gregg referred to “irresolvable conflicts” with Obama over the latter’s economic stimulus plan, which Republicans continue to block in Congress.

The post of Commerce Secretary seems tainted with bad luck. Before Gregg’s refusal, Bill Richardson had left the post after becoming the object of an investigation for corporate malfeasance in his home state of New Mexico, of which he is governor.

Gregg’s refusal is just one in a long list. The nominations of Tom Daschle to the head of the department of health, and Nancy Killefer, named as government budget watchdog, ended when they resigned on February 3 amid personal tax issues. This was a blow to Obama, who had run his campaign on the promise of increased transparency in Washington.

Judd Gregg Judd Gregg declined Obama’s offer of the Commerce Secretary post, citing "irresolvable conflicts" over Obama's stimulus plan.

Bill Richardson Bill Richardson, Obama's original pick for Commerce Secretary, is being investigated for alleged malfeasance over contracting orders in New Mexico.

Tom Daschle Tom Daschle, former Senate majority leader, was meant to oversee health care reform. But he quit the post of Health Secretary in a scandal regarding discrepancies on previous tax returns.

Nancy Killefer Nancy Killefer was meant to monitor the government budget as Chief Performance Officer. But she resigned following allegations that she had been withholding tax payments on her domestic help.

Timothy Geithner Timothy Geithner was approved by Congress for the key post of Treasury Secretary, despite his failure to pay some taxes in a timely fashion.

Hilda Solis Hilda Solis was chosen for Labour Secretary, but her confirmation is still in abeyance pending a Senate investigation over her husband’s tax payments.