Reports: Susan Rice is favorite for State

Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., is the top pick to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to several news reports late on Monday.

Although both Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry and Rice are possible candidates, The New York Times reported that Rice “has emerged as the clear favorite” despite criticism from Republicans for her remarks following the terrorist attack in Libya on Sept. 11.

Senior administration officials, meanwhile, told The Washington Post, that the job will “almost certainly” go to Rice.  

If the White House picks Rice for the job, she will likely face a tough confirmation hearing. But if the spot goes to Kerry, Democrats will risk the loss of Kerry’s Senate seat. Sen. Scott Brown, who lost his Massachusetts Senate bid to Elizabeth Warren last week, could make a bid for Kerry's seat.