WASHINGTON - Before you know it, California could find itself with a handful of open congressional seats.

At least three Golden State Democrat congressmen - Xavier Becerra, Mike Thompson, and Mike Honda - are reportedly in the mix for cabinet positions in the Obama Administration, and any departures would set off a scramble for their seats, those involved in state politics say.

Should any vacancy occur, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would have 14 days from the time of the opening to set a special election date.

According to multiple media reports, Becerra (D-Los Angeles) is mulling an offer from Obama to serve as U.S. Trade Representative. The eight-term congressman, whose Southern California seat encompasses the area immediately surrounding Dodger Stadium, won a slot at the leadership table in November when he secured the Democratic Caucus vice chairmanship.

But party insiders say a cabinet position, offering Becerra an even larger national profile and possibly helping him remove any perception that he is somehow dependent on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a close ally, for his advancement, could prove irresistible.

Becerra's district, which has a strong Democratic voting history, would almost certainly stay in the Democratic column. Allan Hoffenblum, who edits the non-partisan California Target Book, said a Becerra departure would likely open the door for a Latino replacement, with 50 percent of the district's voters are of Hispanic descent. Los Angeles City Councilmen Tony Cardenas, Jose Huizar and Richard Alarcon have been mentioned as potential candidates, as has state Senator Ron Calderon (D-Montebello) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina.

Despite media reports to the contrary, a spokeswoman for Becerra today declined to say if the congressman had received or was mulling an offer from Obama to join his administration.

"There are all kinds of reports out there and they are all rumors," said Becerra spokeswoman Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampoli.

Thompson (D-St. Helena) has been mentioned as a potential choice for Secretary of the Interior, and has reportedly won the backing of fellow Golden State Representatives Anna Eshoo, George Miller, and Pelosi and several hunting and fishing groups.

A Thompson spokeswoman declined to say Wednesday if the congressman was actively pursuing the Interior post. Thompson himself remained tight lipped about the matter.

"It's an honor to be recognized by the many groups I've worked with over the years, but no one associated with President-elect Obama has contacted me," Thompson said in a statement.

Despite the district's heavily Democratic tilt, there is an outside chance a Thompson departure would attract a Republican candidate. The North Coast-area seat had in prior years been held by Republican Frank Riggs, though Riggs no longer lives in the district and cannot run for the seat.

Potential Democratic candidates include state Assemblywomen Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), state Senator Pat Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa), Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos, and state Assemblywoman, Patty Berg (D-Eureka), who is facing term limits.

Honda (D-San Jose) has been open about his desire for an appointment to the Secretary of Education slot, recently telling the San Jose Mercury News, "If I don't throw my name out, it won't show up in the mix.''

A Honda departure would set off a mad dash for his seat among Democrats with close ties to the San Jose area, party operatives say.

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, state Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) and state Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View) are seen as the likely Democratic frontrunners.

San Jose City Councilman Sam Liccardo and former San Jose Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez are also mentioned as potential candidates. The contest could also attract a moderate Republican with ties to the district. Tom Campbell, Honda's predecessor, is mentioned as a possibility, though he might be more interested in running for governor.