Barack Obama resigns senate seat, appoints more staff

President-elect Barack Obama officially resigned his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois on Sunday. Obama was the second African American senator from that state.

llinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, will appoint Obama's successor. Some rumor that he may choose Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

Obama also announced more staff appointments including longtime friend and supporter Valerie Jarret as a White House senior adviser. Pete Rouse, Obama's senate chief of staff, will also come aboard as a senior adviser.

It looks almost certain that Sen. Hillary Clinton will be the new Secretary of State. As the situation stands with all the media hoopla it would be awkward if either Obama failed to offer her the position or if she refused.

Palin preparing for 2012?

With all the media appearances of Gov. Sarah Palin, it looks rather obvious that she is getting ready for a possible run for president in 2012.

Really when you think about it, there are not many other good Republican contenders out there. Most people cannot name a prominent Republican who has name recognition and would make a feasible candidate.

Palin obviously needs a lot of polishing especially when it comes to national television interviews.

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More on Transition (5)

Attorney General

Gov. Deval Patrick -- of Massachusetts and former assistant U.S. attorney for civil rights.

Gov. Janet Napolitano -- governor of Arizona.

Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala. -- member of House Judiciary Committee.

Jerry Brown -- current Attorney General and former governor of the State of California.

Labor Secretary

Maria Elena Durazo -- executive secretary–treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO and national co-chair of Obama campaign.

Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of House Education and Labor Committee.

John Chiang -- current California state controller and former Board of Equalization member. Stood up for state worker salaries against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Transportation Secretary

Rep. Doris Matsui, D-CA -- member of House Transportation Committee.

Jane Garvey -- former head of Federal Aviation Administration.

Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn. -- chairman of House Transportation Committee.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore. -- member of the House Transportation Committee.