Villaraigosa staying put

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has put an end to speculation that he might join the Obama administration:

Villaraigosa said he had a "conversation" with Obama in mid-November about joining the new Democratic administration, but told the incoming president that he would stay in Los Angeles to focus on his reelection campaign and ongoing efforts to address the city's financial troubles and other pressing issues.

"I'm honored and flattered to have been considered for an appointment in the Obama administration," Villaraigosa told The Times on Monday. "I made it clear I love what I do. And I feel that at this moment in my life, this is the job in which I can best serve my city and country."

The Washington Post reported over the weekend that Villaraigosa was being considered for Secretary of Labor and for director of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.