Sen. John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) and President Bush are looking at appointing a diverse White House Cabinet if elected, according to The Washington Post.

Kerry has spoken with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D), who is Hispanic, about serving as Secretary of State, the paper said. Richardson was Energy secretary and an ambassador under the Clinton administration.

Kerry is looking at appointing the first African-American as Attorney General, the paper said. Choices include Dennis Archer, former mayor of Detroit, and Deval L. Patrick.

Several women are eyeing posts within a Kerry administration, the paper reported. Jeanne Shaheen, a former New Hampshire governor, could be named Secretary of Health and Human Services, while Rep. Jane Harman (D-California) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) are potential Homeland Security picks. Jamie S. Gorelick, a member of the Sept. 11 commission, is a possible Attorney General nominee.

As for Bush, he could nominate Condoleezza Rice as the first African-American woman to run the Department of Defense if Donald Rumsfeld leaves, the paper said. Larry D. Thompson, also African-American, could be appointed Attorney General to replace John Ashcroft.

The Post does not mention possible picks for Interior Secretary. Republicans in Congress say Gale Norton may not stay on after the election. Kerry wants to appoint at least one Republican, the paper said.

Get the Story:
Kerry Exploring Cabinet Options (The Washington Post 10/22)
Staying or Going? Some Possibilities if Bush Wins (The Washington Post 10/22)
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