ND Sen. Conrad says he won't be OMB director

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad says he won't be the next federal budget director.

The job is coming open because incumbent Jack Lew is taking over as President Barack Obama's chief of staff.

Conrad is not seeking re-election this year. He is chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and has broad experience with the federal budget.

In meetings Tuesday with newspaper editorial boards, Conrad was asked about whether he might become the next director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Conrad said the job “isn't going to happen” and said it's important to him that he finish his Senate term.

Conrad says he's not sure what he will do when he leaves office this year.

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