WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is considering stepping down after the November election, telling colleagues he is worn out from the massive reorganization of government and needs to earn money in the private sector to put his teenage children through college, officials said.

During a meeting Friday in Miami, Ridge called the report "an inside-the-Beltway game" and said he wouldn't comment about it.

"The president gave me a great job," Ridge said. "I'm doing the job and after President Bush is re-elected, we'll have to have that conversation. But I've got a job to do and I plan on doing it."

Several senior Homeland Security officials told The Associated Press that Ridge has indicated in recent weeks he probably will resign after the election, even if Bush wins. They spoke only on condition of anonymity, citing the delicate nature of describing private conversations with their boss.