US President-elect Barack Obama addresses European Olympic Committee via videotape, 21 Nov. 2008

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama appears close to naming his choices to fill key posts in his administration, with Senator Hillary Clinton said to be on top of the list for secretary of state.

Mr. Obama has largely stayed quiet about the process, and is keeping to a private schedule today, Friday at his Chicago office. But Democratic Party sources say Mr. Obama will likely nominate Clinton for the top diplomatic position around the Thanksgiving Day holiday next Thursday.

Sources also say he is close to nominating Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano to be secretary of homeland security. As governor of a state that borders Mexico, Napolitano has experience with security and immigration issues -- which are the responsibility of the homeland security department. There also is speculation that Mr. Obama is considering keeping current Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who was appointed by outgoing President George Bush.