White House Twisting Geithner's Arm to Stay

(Newser) – Despite his protestations to the contrary, administration officials say Timothy Geithner has been considering resigning from his post since early this year—but now it appears the Treasury secretary will likely stay on through the rest of President Obama's term, thanks to pressure from the White House. Geithner and his advisers say he has not yet made a final decision. The New York Times notes that a month ago, Geithner said he would decide after a debt ceiling deal was reached. His wife and son moved back to New York in June.

Obama and his chief of staff, William Daley, have urged Geithner to stay for reasons including continuity, the rapport Geithner has with Obama, and of course, to avoid a confirmation brawl over his successor. Aides say Geithner gave a sign that he was staying on Monday, when he spoke about a future agenda, but doubts were raised again on Tuesday when a photographer made sure to capture Geithner watching the debt deal vote in what could be his final days at his post. Officials say Geithner and Daley have taken to joking about all the speculation.