Google CEO on Obama Tech Czar Job: No Thanks

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Google Inc Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said Friday he would not serve as technology czar in Barack Obama‘s administration if he was asked.

"I love working at Google and I’m very happy to stay at Google, sothe answer is no," Schmidt said in response to a question from CNBChost Jim Cramer in an appearance on his television show.

Schmidt, who was one of the president-elect’s most high-profilesupporters, was in Chicago Friday as part of Obama’s 17-person economictransition economic advisory board. The group met to discuss how todeal with the ongoing financial crisis.

Schmidt said he detected a sense of urgency in Obama, who he expectsto "listen carefully" and act. The meeting was one of "greatseriousness," he said.

Schmidt favors a new stimulus package that is more carefully focusedthan the previous effort. He said the first stimulus plan was "a baddecision on their part. A much better decision is to give out moneythat solves some other problem, like infrastructure."

He also said Obama shares his belief that green technology can helpto revitalize the economy. Laid-off autoworkers in Michigan could beput back to work building batteries for use in hybrid vehicles, Schmidtoffered.

Google has been active in investing in green technology companies,and Schmidt has expressed a deep personal interest in the area.

When asked about the current state of advertising, Schmidtacknowledged that times were tough. Google is the dominant player inInternet search advertising.

"Advertising is one of the first things that get cut, and its almost always a mistake, because you advertise to get revenue."

However, Schmidt said he expects advertising to bounce back quickly.

Shares of Google closed the regular session down 8 cents at $331.14.

(Reporting by Gabriel Madway; Editing by Bernard Orr)