Story highlights Perez spent much of the conversation arguing the U.S. economy is on the rebound and gave a preview of his possible campaign mode in slamming Republicans

Pressed again and again, Perez continued to deflect

Washington (CNN) Labor Secretary Tom Perez isn't confirming rumors he's on Hillary Clinton's shortlist for vice president -- but he isn't ruling it out, either.

The Obama administration official dodged a handful of direct questions from CNN's Chris Cuomo on "New Day" about whether he is one of the top choices to be Clinton's running mate if she secures the Democratic nomination.

"I'll tell you what I consider every day, and that's I've got 309 days left until the weekend," Perez said, referring to the number of days left in President Barack Obama's term.

Pressed again and again, Perez continued to deflect, saying it's "an unmitigated privilege to help people get back on their feet every day," and, "I have one focus right now and that is my day job, and I love my day job."

He also denied he was counting down the days to his next act -- possibly with Clinton.

Read More