Villaraigosa says he'll stay for rest of term

For some reason, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sent out a statement on Friday trying to quash once and for all any talk that he will be taking a job with the Obama Administration before his term ends June 30. There has been speculation about Transportation secretary and other top jobs. As of late today, Villaraigosa says he's here to stay.

For the past seven and half years, I have had the honor and privilege of working for the people of Los Angeles.

We have made tremendous progress even through the toughest of times. We have doubled the number of successful schools, reduced crime rates to their lowest levels since the 1950s, lowered carbon emissions 28% below 1990 standards, and put us on track to double the size of our rail network.

I have said many times that I will be focused on my job as Mayor of Los Angeles until 11:59 and 59 seconds on June 30, 2013.

I am flattered and humbled by the speculation that has included my name for a possible Cabinet secretary position, but I am firmly committed to remaining in LA and finishing my term.

Yes, you could read this as probably meaning that Villaraigosa got word from Camp Obama that he would not be getting a desirable cabinet appointment in the next five months. Adam Nagourney, the New York Times bureau chief in Los Angeles, previously served as national political correspondent and has seen a few statements like this. His take, via Twitter: "Villaraigosa's late Fri statement (news dump time) that he will serve out term means White House likely told him no cabinet job for now."

There's still after June 30, at least in theory.