WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- White House spokesman Robert Gibbs on Thursday said President Barack Obama is likely to run for reelection in 2012.

"I think it is likely that is going to happen," said Gibbs during a regular briefing, noting the bid would not be official until Obama filed papers with the Federal Election Commission.

Gibbs said Obama wanted to continue his efforts to revive the economy.

With a series of White House personnel shifts, U.S. media outlets have been abuzz with speculations about Obama's reelection campaign.

Reports indicated Obama will file papers with the Federal Election Commission to formally declare his candidacy around March, and deputy chief of staff Jim Messina will serve as his campaign manager. Senior adviser David Axelrod and Gibbs, both important advisers in the 2008 campaign, will work in the reelection bid.