Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has made it known that he will not be seeking a second term at that post. He said he would step down at the end of President Obama's current term, whether he is re-elected or defeated in the 2012 presidential election.

LaHood, whose name is sometimes mentioned for posts such as Illinois governor, said: "I'm not running for public office anymore," and specifically ruled out a run for governor. He said he expected there will be some "wonderful opportunities" for him in the private sector when he leaves government.

He was appointed Transportation Secretary by President Barack Obama, and took office on January 23, 2009. He is the 16th secretary.

LaHood, 65, is a Republican from Peoria, Ill., who served in Congress for 14 years. He did not seek re-election to Congress in 2008, prior to his appointment.

As Secretary of Transportation, LaHood oversees 11 agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.