The major tension in Bush's transition will be splitting the spoils between ideological moderates who helped shape his compassionate conservative image, and the socially conservative foot soldiers who helped him hold off Sen. John McCain in the Republican primaries and smiled through their doubts during an ideologically neutral convention and general election campaign. And Bush still has to make way for Daddy, or at least two-thirds of his former administration.

Here's a list of some of the names you're likely to hear talked up -- and, in some cases, talked down -- in the days before a possible Bush inauguration.

Secretary of State
Gen. Colin Powell
In brief: Powell was a black Republican star long before Bush dug up all those people to speak at the convention. With three decades of military service already under his belt, Powell was picked by Bush p ère to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1989. His stock rose from role model to political deity when he directed Gulf War strategy in 1991. He left that post in 1993 after serving under President Clinton for several months. Since then, he's had to beat back Republican kingmakers with a stick, dodging draft calls to run for president in 1996 and 2000, and giving the cold shoulder to veep inquiries from Bush fils this spring. He's also been buffing his halo as head of America's Promise, a nonprofit devoted to encouraging volunteerism, since 1997.

Pros: He is the very model of a modern elder statesman with more than enough experience for the job, and an international reputation for being both a strong leader and a team player. His race could be a plus in American relations with countries in the developing world.

Cons: No matter how much he's valued as a diversity poster boy for the GOP, his social policy views on abortion and affirmative action rub a lot of conservative Republicans the wrong way. A military background could give some in the international community pause.

Nomination chances: The Powell pick is the closest thing in politics to a guarantee. Powell has had this post on his wish list forever, and no Republican would be brave (stupid?) enough to challenge him for the spot.

Confirmation chances: He's a shoo-in. The right will swallow this one with a great big smile in the interest of public relations. Even the most partisan Democrats will be governed by the Clarence Thomas rule -- that no African-American man can be publicly criticized unless he's implicated in a felony investigation. They'll likely set aside Powell's opposition to gays in the military.

National Security Advisor
Condoleezza Rice
In brief: Another holdover from the first Bush administration, Rice signed on to the Texas governor's campaign early in primary season and has been his primary foreign policy tutor. Beginning in 1989, Rice held the post of National Security Council director of Soviet and East European affairs, and went on to serve as provost of Stanford University. She turned in a highly regarded performance during the GOP Convention's parade of black Republicans. Rice is a Bush loyalist from way back, and would be another visible, high-level black Republican whose qualifications are above question. She also comes without any of the ideological baggage that Powell carries.

Pros: Rice is renowned for the breadth of her knowledge and the energy she brings to her work. She has earned praise for her professional style, combining charm and intelligence to create consensus with a minimum of partisanship and strife.

Cons: She has blasted Clinton's China policy repeatedly. That's not a problem in and of itself, but could boomerang if critics discover that Bush isn't offering anything new in that area. Clinton ran into a public relations problem when he slammed the Bush administration for cooperating with China, and then did the same thing when he got into office.

Nomination and confirmation chances: Not applicable -- it's an appointed White House staff position, not a Cabinet position.

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