OK, so vice president's not so likely, but what about a Cabinet position?

The commentariat briefly got excited about U.S. Sen. Richard Burr's chances at being John McCain's running mate, but they have mostly moved on.

But Roll Call is already onto a new game. The Washington, D.C.-based newspaper includes Burr in its speculation on who might be in the next Cabinet.

Other long-shot possibilities for McCain could include Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) at Treasury or Justice, Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) at Veterans Affairs, or even conservative Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), who is retiring in 2010, as attorney general or secretary of Health and Human Services.

Burr is the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Still, the article notes that McCain would be careful about appointing his colleagues because that would open up more seats in the closely divided Senate.

It's official: Sen. Larry Craig's setback is Sen. Richard Burr's gain.

Burr was tapped today to temporarily become the top Republican — technically called the "ranking member" — on the Senate Committee for Veterans' Affairs, a post previously held by Craig, Barb Barrett reports.

Craig was stripped of his committee roles after pleading guilty this summer in a well-reported incident in a Minneapolis airport men’s room. Craig has pledged to resign if he cannot reverse his guilty plea.

After a secret ballot, Republicans decided today to put Burr in the top GOP seat for Veterans' Affairs. Other, more senior Republicans were passed over because they already hold party leadership roles in other committees.

Said Burr in a statement, "I appreciate the confidence my Senate colleagues have expressed in me today."

Sen. Larry Craig's woes could help Sen. Richard Burr.

It's looking more likely the Idaho Republican will indeed step down in the wake of his guilty plea over the Minnesota bathroom incident. If he does, that could mean a bump in rank for Burr, a Winston-Salem Republican, Barb Barrett reports.

Burr is next in line to become the ranking member — the top Republican — on the Senate Committee for Veterans Affairs. Burr's office had no comment on the possible ascension.

Update: Burr may not necessarily get a boost. More after the jump.

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