Salazar dodges questions about possible run for Colorado governor

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar dodged four questions about a possible campaign for Colorado governor during a previously scheduled conference call with reporters on Wednesday.

Gov. Bill Ritter (D) announced Wednesday that he would not seek reelection this fall, saying it would free him "to make the tough and unpopular decisions that need to be made."

Speculation in Colorado about Ritter's replacement on the November ballot quickly turned to Salazar, who was twice elected to statewide offices -- attorney general and the Senate -- before President Obama tapped him to head the Interior Department.

The Denver Post reported Wednesday that Salazar is "under tremendous pressure" from state Democrats to run and that the White House would not object if he chose to pursue the governorship.

When asked about those reports, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said: "He's doing valuable work, and I do not believe he's had a conversation with [Obama] recently about politics."

Asked during the conference call about his political future, Salazar said, "Bill Ritter has been a devoted servant of the public at great sacrifice to self and family. I have enjoyed our work together in Colorado during my time as attorney general, as United States senator and as secretary of the interior. I wish him and his family all the best, and I thank him for his service."

Asked by another reporter whether he is considering a run or has a preferred candidate, Salazar said: "I'm not going to comment on that. The governor has not yet made his formal announcement, and there are other conversations that are going on in Colorado."

Salazar ignored similar queries later in the call, which was intended to announce new requirements for oil and gas companies before they can drill on federal lands.

Salazar would be the first Cabinet secretary to leave the Obama administration if he decides to run.

An administration official noted that Salazar recently moved his family to Washington for the first time since joining the U.S. Senate in 2005, a move likely to factor into any decision. His departure could also affect the Interior Department's top staff, because Salazar brought several aides with him.