Hunt says he's not interested in Obama cabinet

RALEIGH -- Former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt says he's not interested in becoming education secretary in the Obama administration.

Hunt told The News & Observer of Raleigh on Wednesday he wants to advise the incoming president on education but doesn't want to go to Washington.

The 71-year-old Hunt has been mentioned often as a potential Cabinet secretary because of his expertise on public school and early childhood initiatives.

Hunt said he spent time with several Obama education advisers while at a meeting in Seattle this week.

Hunt served four terms as governor, the last term ending in 2001. He campaigned hard for Obama in North Carolina, where the Democratic nominee became the first in 32 years to win the state's electoral votes.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)