WASHINGTON — CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta withdrew from consideration to be the next surgeon general yesterday, with CNN and Obama administration officials attributing his decision to personal considerations amid a campaign by some liberal interest groups to block his selection.

CNN reported that Gupta, a neurosurgeon, decided to withdraw so that he could continue to practice medicine, work as a journalist and spend more time with his family. Administration officials cited the same reasons.

The decision by Gupta keeps the door open for Chicago neurosurgeon Dr. Gail Rosseau, 52, an early supporter of Obama's, to be the next surgeon general.

CRAIGSLIST DENIES ILLEGAL USE OF SITE

CHICAGO — Cook County's sheriff filed a lawsuit yesterday against Craigslist, saying the popular online classifieds site not only allows the solicitation of prostitution but has actively created "the largest source of prostitution in America."

Craigslist spokeswoman Susan Best said that although the company had not seen the lawsuit, it vehemently disputes Sheriff Tom Dart's contentions.

OHIO SHOOTING LEAVES 5 DEAD

CLEVELAND — A woman and four children were found shot to death in a west side home, and police were searching early today for the woman's husband, who fled the house on foot.

Police SWAT, vice and gang units had swarmed on the two-family home after yesterday's shootings, which happened around 8 p.m.

Police said there were two rental units in the house, and the victims were killed in various rooms of the upstairs apartment, where they lived.

Deputy Chief Ed Tomba said the suspect being sought was married to the woman, and that the four children who were killed ranged in age from 3 to 14.

SUSPECT ATTACKED JUDGE WITH SPIKE

STOCKTON, Calif. — Authorities are investigating how a murder suspect got a 6-inch metal spike he used to attack a judge during his trial.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's office released photos of the handcrafted weapon yesterday.

A Lodi police detective fatally shot 29-year-old murder suspect David Paradiso after he left the witness stand and attacked San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Cinda Fox on Wednesday.

Fox was treated for minor injuries.