Possible Commerce pick leaves Chicago Board of Ed

CHICAGO (AP) — Businesswoman Penny Pritzker has resigned from the Chicago Board of Education amid speculation that the longtime ally to President Barack Obama could be named the next U.S. Commerce secretary.

Pritzker did not mention the potential Cabinet post or give a reason for her resignation in a letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Pritzker was a top fundraiser for Obama's 2008 and 2012 campaigns, serving as his finance chairwoman in 2008. She is considered a leading candidate to run the department.

The White House wouldn't comment Thursday on her prospects of being tapped for the job. Obama isn't expected to announce his nominee before leaving for the Mideast next week or while he is overseas. He's due back in Washington on March 23.