James Steinberg is slated to become the next Deputy Secretary of State. Andrea Mitchell said Steinberg will serve in the position on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."  Steinberg had been mentioned as a possible candidate for National Security Advisor, however it looks increasingly likely that retired Gen. James Jones will be tapped for NSA instead.

The State Department, like the White House, will have ample leadership from President Bill Clinton's administration if Steinberg does get the Foggy Bottom post.  He served as Clinton's deputy National Security Advisor.  This time, however, Steinberg may be reporting to a different Clinton. U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) is expected to be announced as the next secretary of state after Thanksgiving.  

Steinberg is currently dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas. He previously served as an executive at the Brookings Institution, where he focused on foreign policy issues.

Meanwhile, Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) is set to become commerce secretary. According to the AP, President-elect Obama may make the announcement after Thanksgiving.  Ron Kirk had also been floated as a possible candidate to head the Department of Commerce. Although he lacks Richardson's national profile, Kirk was the first African-American mayor of Dallas and one of Obama's most ardent and vocal supporters in Texas.