The Hill newspaper reports that retiring Rep. Vic Fazio, D-Calif., "is seeking to replace" outgoing Energy Secretary Federico Pena when Pena leaves at the end of June.
Fazio's staff "would not confirm whether Fazio was seeking the job," but they "did not discount the possibility of such a potential appointment," the paper reported.
Fazio spokesperson Steve Maviglio: "He has been discussed for a number of jobs at the White House and this is the latest one ... We have not heard anything solid about an offer so we will still wait and see."
Fazio is ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee.
The other name on the short list to replace Pena is Deputy Energy Secretary Elizabeth Moler.
Some Democratic strategists believe Fazio has a strategic advantage because the cabinet currently has no members from California.