Sen. John Kerry could be the next Secretary of State (Creative Commons/MarkGregory007)

The five-term Massachusetts senator and one-time presidential nominee, is currently the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and is expected to be an easier sell to Senate Republicans for confirmation than diplomat Susan Rice, who was initially expected to be the president's nominee.

“In a sense, (Kerry's) entire life has prepared him for this role. He's not going to need a lot of on-the-job training," President Obama joked during the announcement at the White House.

Kerry, 69, is seen as a close friend and ally to the president and his record--including a decorated career in the armed forces as part of the Navy and his long-time involvement in foreign affairs-- made him a natural choice to succeed the former first lady.

Rice, the current U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., removed her name from consideration last Thursday following weeks of criticism from Republicans who said Rice's response to the September attacks on the the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi was not strong enough.

Once nominated, Kerry will have to go through a formal Senate confirmation, expected to take place early next year.

Kerry's senate seat will be filled in a special election, with former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown expected to run for the seat.

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