New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly is deftly sidestepping comment on recent calls for him to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Current head Janet Napolitano is resigning to take a job as president of the University of California system.

Kelly has been recommended by New York Sen. Charles Schumer and others. President Barack Obama said in a television interview earlier this month that the longtime commissioner is well qualified for the job.

Kelly said Friday he’s flattered but is focused on his job as police commissioner. He had no further comment.

Kelly led U.S. Customs and Border Patrol under President Bill Clinton.

(AP)