Barack Obama is set to name most of his future Cabinet members by the end of 2008. To date, he has announced ten candidates to undertake primary roles in his White House. Although his vetting process is extremely extensive, his administration has trumped the speed at which any previous president-elect has named nominees.

On Monday, December 1, President-elect Obama introduced Hillary Clinton as his selection for Secretary of State. Despite the controversy that often surrounds Obama’s former rival, many critics are praising the choice. Notably, former secretary of state Henry Kissinger supported Clinton, remarking at the India Economic Summit, “she is a lady of great intelligence, demonstrated enormous determination and would be an outstanding appointment.” Clinton currently serves as the junior United States Senator from New York. During her campaign for the Democratic nomination for the presidential election, she exchanged barbs with Obama, and has a more conservative voting record in the Senate.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was tapped to become Secretary of Commerce on December 3. Richardson has served as an ambassador to the United Nations and as Secretary of Energy in the Clinton administration. After dropping out of the presidential race, he quickly gave his endorsement to Obama. Richardson is one of the highest-profile Latinos to hold office in the U.S. and is the first Hispanic nominated to serve in the Obama’s cabinet.

Robert Gates, the current US Secretary of Defense, has been asked to stay on by Barrack Obama. Gates and Obama disagree on key issues, such as the timetable for Iraq troop withdrawal, but both have proposed compromise.

Janet Napolitano will be named Secretary of Homeland Security. She is currently governor of the U.S. state of Arizona. Napolitano was named by Time as one of the top five Governors in 2005 and was chair of two state Governors’ associations.

President-elect Barack Obama’s selection for National Security Advisor is Jim Jones. Jones served as Chairman of the Congressional Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq. He was then appointed as special envoy for Middle East Security, and is currently the Chairman of the Atlantic Council of the United States. Jones is said to have an immediate and comprehensive understanding of military plans and details.

Eric Holder Jr. is the nominee for Attorney General. He is a former Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, United States Attorney and Deputy Attorney General. He served on Obama’s vice-presidential selection committee, and is currently his senior legal advisor.

Susan Rice is the proposed nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations. Rice served on the National Security Council and was Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under President Clinton.

Robert Gibbs, Obama’s campaign advisor, has been selected as Press Secretary. Gibbs history is as a Senate campaign specialist. He rose to the national scene earlier this year.