White House says no quick decision expected on a replacement for departing economic adviser

White House: Picking new econ adviser not imminent

WASHINGTON — The White House says that naming a successor to President Barack Obama’s top economic adviser, Lawrence Summers, is not imminent.

Spokesman Robert Gibbs says the White House is considering potential candidates with a broad array of backgrounds, and could consider someone with experience running a large business.

Gibbs says officials aren’t deep into the selection process yet, but because Summers’ departure had been expected, the search was already under way.

Summers plans to leave his post as director of the National Economic Council at the end of the year to return to Harvard University. He is the third high-ranking member of Obama’s economic team to leave this year.