The story

It happens immediately after any high-level White House official resigns his or her post -- political observers and Washington reporters go into overdrive over possible replacements.

The scenario played out Monday, when moments after news surfaced that Alberto Gonzales was stepping down from his post as attorney general, senior administration officials told CNN that current Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff would likely get the nod.

If true, it would be "a surprise to Mike," another source later told CNN. Read full article »

CNN's Kelli Arena, John King, Suzanne Malveaux, Katie Byron and Jessica Yellin contributed to this report.

All About Alberto GonzalesMichael ChertoffGeorge W. BushLarry Thompson

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