Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff

[flaschman13]

We have rebuilt the carb and assembled the carb. Recently we got around to replacing the removed parts on the carb to choke lever. When we started, there were no rubber bushings. As we assemble the choke rod seems out of alignment to the carb. The pulling of the choke seems to be binding. it is not being pushed back by the spring. So what do we need to look at as the cause or to remedy it? We have attached a photo of the beginning before the rebuild and we have replaced it as previous. It just seems weird. Suggestions?