Gibbs Leaving White House Post

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs announced Wednesday hat he is stepping down from his post in February.

A successor will be named within the next two weeks.

The New York Times first reported on the announcement, saying Gibbs plans to serve as an outside political adviser to President Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign. His departure follows other top aides for the president, including former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, who is pursuing the office of Chicago mayor, and advisers Jim Messina and David Axelrod, who are also working on the 2012 campaign.

"It's time for me to take a break, Gibbs said at a press conference Wednesday. "There's probably a little boy out there who deserves a ride to school every now and then."

Gibbs first started working with Obama during his 2004 Senate election campaign in Illinois.

"Stepping back will take some adjusting," Gibbs told the Times on Wednesday. "But at the same time, I have a feeling that I will keep myself quite busy, not just with speaking, but continuing to help the president."