So, who replaces Hillary? I’ve cobbled together a list containing all the options I’ve heard discussed.

1. John Kerry
2. Thomas Donilon
3. Samantha Power
4. Susan Rice
5. John Huntsman

Kerry is probably the safest, most obviously qualified and deserving choice, but it would remove him from the Senate. Here’s hoping Deval Patrick can name an interim replacement that will win next November, possibly against Scott Brown.

Donilon has no real downside except then he would need to be replaced as national security advisor.

Sam Power and Susan Rice are both powerful women who could replace Hillary or Donilon. Republicans will bitch about either of them over past statements, Power on Israel and Rice regarding the Benghazi attack. Not sure there’s any need to cater to the Republicans on appointments though, if they want to go into non stop filibuster mode again so early it could backfire.

Huntsman is a wild card. He’s hugely qualified to be SOS and moderates love him, but he’s probably going to run again in 2016. He’s already taken one appointment from Obama, ambassador to China, only to turn around and stab the President in the back during the Republican primaries. There’s little sense in rewarding that kind of behavior.

Am I missing anybody?