Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio is downplaying reports that he’s on the short list for a position in the Obama administration.  

The Springfield Democrat has been mentioned as a possible pick for Secretary of Transportation.  He’s currently the chair of the House subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

DeFazio says as far as knows he’ll keep that job instead of landing a spot on Obama’s cabinet.

Peter DeFazio: “I’ve appeared in a couple of AP stories and sort of am grist for the rumor mill.  I have had thus far no direct contact with the Obama administration.  I mean obviously I’m honored to be in the mix if I am but don’t really know.”

DeFazio is also rumored to be a possible candidate for Oregon Governor in 2010.  He says it’s too soon to start talking about that election cycle.  

So far none of Obama’s cabinet choices has come from the Pacific Northwest.