Google CEO turns down Obama tech boss job

Google CEO Eric Schmidt has taken himself out of the running to be the US' first chief technology officer.

"I love working at Google and I'm very happy to stay at Google, so the answer is no," Schmidt said when queried on the subject by CNBC host Jim Cramer during an appearance on his television show.

The Google CEO says he likes running his company too much to serve as President-elect Barack Obama's chief technology officer.

Schmidt, who campaigned on behalf of President-elect Barack Obama, has been advising the Obama campaign on technology and energy matters and is part of Obama's 17-member Transition Economic Advisory Board.

So, if Schmidt has excused himself, who else is up to the challenge? Internet pioneer Vint Cerf has been suggested as a candidate. Google's chief internet evangelist publicly supported Obama, primarily because of his position on net neutrality. But if Cerf's boss at Google passed on the job, Cerf may not be comfortable accepting the position.

Ex-regulator Reed Hundt has also been suggested as a candidate for the position.