Ron Kirk to Step Down as U.S. Trade Representative

WASHINGTON — U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said Tuesday he is leaving the post in late February, and trade experts are speculating who might take his place.

Among the possible contenders are Michael Froman, deputy assistant to President Obama and deputy national security advisor for international economic affairs; Lael Brainard, undersecretary for international affairs at the Treasury Department, and Francisco Sanchez, undersecretary for international trade at the Commerce Department, according to industry sources.