Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to step down?

Several reports are circulating that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton plans to step down to spend more time with her family and speculations abound that Governor Bill Richardson will replace her.

White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod is talking about implementing significant changes to the White House Cabinet next year - and among the changes receiving notable speculation: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will step down from her post to spend more time with her family. If Clinton did abandon her role as secretary of state, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is considered to be the next in line for the position, according to The Korea Times - who cited several sources. In a report posted on the Conservative blog Classical Conservative, Richardson appeared well aligned for the role. "Richardson recently stated that he would like a position in the Obama administration after he leaves office," Classical Conservative wrote.

White Houe photo by Pete Souza

President Barack Obama shakes hands with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson at the conclusion of a town hall style meeting in Rio Rancho New Mexico

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But if the reports prove to be accurate, could Ms. Clinton's decision foretell a presidential run in 2012? Clinton said in early November that she had no intention of running for president in 2012 or 2016, according to a Reuters report. President Obama has been experiencing a rebound in polls, according to Politico - and a move by Clinton to step down could potentially open her up to a VP ticket with Mr. Obama. But this is merely speculation. Mr. Axelrod is expected to announce the White House Cabinet changes when President Obama returns from vacation in Hawaii.