Politics | secretary of state Obama to Nominate John Kerry Today Has chosen senator as next secretary of state, source says By Evann Gastaldo Posted Dec 21, 2012 9:35 AM CST Copied President Barack Obama and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. arrive at Logan International Airport in Boston, Friday, Oct. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) No big surprise here, but a senior administration official tells the New York Times that President Obama will nominate John Kerry as the next secretary of state, and he's expected to make the announcement today. Kerry has been widely expected as the successor to Hillary Clinton since Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration. The president's announcement should come early this afternoon. Read These Next Iran's new leader issued a defiant first statement. Country star cancels rest of his tour: 'I am mentally unwell.' Report finds uninjured cop took an ambulance as a dying man waited. Second 'Doomsday Plane' in 2 months is seen over California. Report an error