Gov. Sam Brownback on Monday refused to comment on speculation that he is being considered for a job in the new Trump administration.

“I’m not answering any questions on anything regarding me and the Trump administration,” Brownback said Monday in brief remarks to reporters following the ceremonial lighting of the Statehouse Christmas tree.

Brownback’s name has been mentioned by several news organizations, including the Washington Post and POLITICO, as one of several possible picks to be the next Secretary of Agriculture.

Speculation that Brownback might leave the governor’s office early was fueled Monday by the unexpected announcement that his press secretary Eileen Hawley will retire at the end of this week. But Hawley said Tuesday that her decision had nothing to do with the governor’s future and that she has not even followed news about who is being considered for cabinet jobs.

Brownback served as the Kansas Agriculture Secretary from 1986 to 1990. He then left for two years to serve as a White House Fellow in 1990 and 1991 in President George H.W. Bush’s administration, then returned to the state agriculture job where he stayed until 1993. He stepped down after a federal judge ruled the method used at that time to elect the secretary was unconstitutional and the Kansas Legislature passed a law giving the governor authority to appoint the state agriculture secretary.

Brownback did offer praise, however, for two other Kansans on President-elect Donald Trump’s interview list: U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo of Wichita, who has already been chosen for the job of CIA Director; and Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who is considered a candidate for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

“Kris is a great guy and I wish him all the best,” Brownback said. “That was a wonderful thing for Mike Pompeo and I think it’s going to be a wonderful thing for the Trump administration.”

If Pompeo is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, a special election will be called in the 4th District to elect a replacement. If Kobach leaves the Secretary of State’s office, state law requires the governor to appoint a replacement.