Valerie Jarrett to Land in Barack Obama's Adminstration?

Valerie Jarrett (seen at left with Michelle Obama at the DNC) is rumored to be on the short list for several positions within the Obama adminstration. Part of Obama's inner circle, she has been close to the Democratic nominee since hiring his soon-to-be wife Michelle away from her private practice to help serve in the adminstration of Mayor Richard Daley in 1991.

Among the positions Jarrett is reportedly up for include Deputy Chief of Staff, Counselor, and, most surprisingly, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. She would bring some real experience to the Secretary of HUD -- she currently serves as the CEO of the The Habitat Company, a real estate development and management firm.

Also rumored to be up for the Secretary of HUD position is Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who has carried water for the Obama campaign even while his more famous father has wandered far off message.