WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told reporters Tuesday that she’s not interested in leading the Department of Homeland Security, according to the Washington Post blog Post Politics. 

“The White House has not contacted me, I do not expect to be contacted by the White House and I am very happy being senator from Maine and I’m fully committed to seeking reelection,” Collins told reporters Tuesday.

The Washington Post also reported that Collins recommended retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad W. Allen,  who helped lead the federal response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010. Allen was appointed as commandant of the Coast Guard during the George W. Bush administration.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano plans to step down in September. Since last week’s announcement, Collins’ name has been on some short lists because she is a moderate Republican and ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Washington insiders say she knows the issues and would face virtually no opposition from GOP senators.

She has a fairly positive relationship with President Barack Obama, having met him in person at the White House and voiced support for his first Supreme Court nominee, Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

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