If reports that Hillary Clinton wants to be World Bank president are true, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) could finally get the job he’s been angling for: secretary of state.
Though Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philippe Reines told the press that the Clinton rumors were “completely untrue,” Reuters reports she plans to leave the Obama administration next year, when the World Bank presidency opens up.
The Boston Globe meanwhile calls Kerry the “logical successor” for secretary of state. He’s been positioning himself for the job since 2008, even before President Obama’s election. He recently acted as a representative for the administration abroad.
Kerry is currently chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Globe reports he had breakfast with Vice President Joe Biden this morning.
Kerry’s move would create an open US Senate seat in Massachusetts and an opportunity for the state’s Democratic politicians. Many are afraid to challenge Republican Sen. Scott Brown, the most popular politician in Massachusetts, when his seat is up in 2012.
An open seat would mean an appointment by Democratic Governor Deval Patrick. The appointment would last through 2014, forcing Republicans to try to find another Scott Brown to make the race competitive.