Obama's 2nd-Term Cabinet: Who Stays and Who Goes?

By: Lynette Holloway | Posted: December 31, 2012 at 2:22 PM

Barack Obama; Hillary Clinton (Scott Olson/Getty Images News)

Before talk of a "fiscal cliff" stole center stage on the domestic front, all eyes of political observers were most likely on the selection of President Barack Obama's second-term cabinet.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was recently admitted to a New York hospital for treatment of a blot clot, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson have already announced plans to leave their posts, but they may not be the only names exiting the administration. Joyce Jones of BET.com provides a rundown of likely shifts and departures from the president's cabinet during his second term.

Attorney General Eric Holder

After questioning whether he has "gas left in the tank" for a second term, Attorney General Eric Holder has agreed to stay on for one more year. Possible replacement: Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

Rumor has it that DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, a former governor and state attorney general, is pining to replace Attorney General Eric Holder. But the White House is considering nominating her to the U.S. Supreme Court ...

Central Intelligence Agency Director David Petraeus

General David Petraeus has already resigned his post after news broke of an extramarital affair. Possible replacements include acting agency director Michael Morell and White House counterterrorism and homeland security adviser John Brennan.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner had planned to leave the administration in term one but was convinced to stay on. He likely will leave after the fiscal cliff negotiations have been completed. Possible replacement: White House chief of staff and former budget director Jack Lew.