energy NOW! is reporting that Washington insiders are speculating that Energy Secretary Steven Chu may leave the administration after the midterm elections.

According to a blog post, the DOE has been “struggling to allocate two to three times its normal budget over the last 18 months, money aimed at energy projects from the stimulus bill.” The administration is reportedly unhappy with the slow pace of funding.

The blog speculates about potential replacements including North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, who oversees the DOE budget on the Appropriations Committee and departing Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter.

The DOE has denied the rumors. Stephanie Mueller, DOE spokeswoman, told energy NOW! that Chu is not leaving. "He's not going anywhere," she said.