WPRO News and the Associated Press

A spokesman for U.S. Sen. Jack Reed says the senator isn’t interested in becoming the nation’s next defense secretary.

The Rhode Island Democrat was among those mentioned as possible successors to U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Hagel announced Monday he is stepping down.

Reed spokesman Chip Unruh said, “Senator Reed loves his job and wants to continue serving the people of Rhode Island in the United States Senate.  He has made it very clear that he does not wish to be considered for Secretary of Defense or any other cabinet position.  He just asked the people of Rhode Island to hire him for another six year term and plans on honoring that commitment.”

Reed, a former Army Ranger, left active duty in 1979 and retired from the reserves in 1991.

He was elected to the Senate in 1996 and won a fourth term earlier this month.