FACTBOX: Obama cabinet moves to confirmation stage

(Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet picks now face confirmation by the Senate, a process which can at times through up unexpected political roadblocks.

Obama's pick for commerce secretary, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, withdrew his name on Sunday saying he feared an ongoing investigation into a company that has done business with his home state could complicate his confirmation.

Senate hearings are due to begin this week for Tom Daschle, Obama's choice to head the department of health and human services, and Hilda Solis, his choice for the labor department. Other hearings will take place in the following weeks.

Here are people Obama has chosen for key posts in his administration after he takes office on Jan 20.

SECRETARY OF STATE

* New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Obama's former Democratic Party rival for the White House, was named to the top diplomatic post. The move is seen as part of Obama's effort to rebuild the United States' reputation abroad. Aides have said Obama admires Clinton's work ethic and also believes the former first lady's star power would boost his vision of improving America's global standing.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

* Current Defense Secretary Robert Gates, named by President George W. Bush in late 2006, is considered a moderate voice on the Republican's national security team and embodies an important signal of continuity. Obama had said early on he would include Republicans in his Cabinet and the 65-year-old Gates has been lauded by members of both parties since taking over the Pentagon from Donald Rumsfeld.

TREASURY SECRETARY