Fund-Raising Dispute Halts Gambling Panel

The Democratic fund-raising controversy buffeting the White House has led to delays in President Clinton naming his appointments to a national commission to study the social and economic costs of gambling.

Already four months overdue, Clinton will probably take another week or more before naming his three appointments to the nine-member commission, according to administration officials familiar with the selection process.

Criticism that Clinton - allegedly influenced by contributions to the Democratic National Committee from gambling supporters in Las Vegas and in the Native American community - might tilt the panel in favor of the industry caused the White House to slow the process, according to officials.