Reports today state that Sen. Hillary Clinton is highly being considered as a top candidate as President-elect Obama’s Secretary of State. These reports come after Clinton met privately with Obama on Thursday. This makes the chances for Sen. John Kerry, who was seen as a frontrunner, slightly slimmer.  

When Kerry was the nominee of the Democratic Party in 2004, he asked then state Senator Barack Obama to be the keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He also endorsed Obama at a key time early in the primaries. With that said, Clinton worked tirelessly for Obama in the general election and can put the foreign affairs experience that she touted on the campaign trail to work.

Another person in the running is New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. He is a former energy secretary and U.N. ambassador in the Clinton administration. Here’s a list of pros and cons they may face with a Senate confirmation hearing:

Clinton 

 Pros:  Was one of the most influential First Ladies since Eleanor Roosevelt. Could help with repairing America’s image abroad. Lives up to Obama’s creed of having people around that will challenge him. Has an international profile. Serves on Senate Armed Services Committee. As top appointed U.S. diplomat, could shed her polarizing perception.

Cons: Could be viewed as an ambitious move to get out of the Senate now that her role in healthcare reform appears to have stalled. She and Bill’s current and former ties and additional drama may come pouring out onto the national scene again. May come in with her own agenda. May have to deal with sniper fire…for real this time.

Kerry

Pros: High ranking member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. Has clout among party leaders as a former nominee.  Viewed as someone who advocates strong diplomacy.  Appears in sync with Obama’s foreign policy. Could show public what could have been four years ago.

Cons: May bump heads with Vice President Joe Biden. May go rogue and get off message. Could show public what could have been four years ago.

Richardson

Pros: One of the most qualified people for the post in the Democratic Party. As mentioned above, served as a U.N. ambassador and Secretary of Energy. Has been an active governor in New Mexico and still has street cred on the international stage. His appointment could be retribution to the Hispanic communities large turnout and support for Obama. Could also solidify the latino vote for Obama in 2012. Would be 1st Hispanic Secretary of State in an administration that’s already making history.  

Cons: Sexual harrassment claims surfaced as he appeared to be a frontrunner for the vice presidential nomination in 2004, yet the Kerry campaign stated that this was not a dealbreaker. Unbeknownst issues could surfaced from his terms as governor.