/ Source: msnbc.com staff and news service reports
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says he won't leave the cabinet to run for governor of Colorado.
"I have a job to do as Secretary of the Interior to implement President Obama's vision for a clean energy economy and to better protect America's great outdoors," said the Democratic former senator in a statement.
Some Democrats wanted Salazar to return to Colorado to seek the office being vacated by Gov. Bill Ritter, who announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election.
Salazar endorsed Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to be the new Democratic candidate, calling him a "uniter" who would make "an excellent Governor" if he decides to run.
Two Republicans are seeking the seat, including former U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis.