Don't be surprised when a San Joaquin Valley native or two ends up in Barack Obama's administration. But as the days count down toward Obama's Jan. 20 swearing-in, the maneuvering will only heat up.

Some Valley Democrats who have already voiced interest in serving -- cough Nicole Parra cough -- may have trouble overcoming intraparty resistance. Sometimes, it just takes one phone call to squelch a nomination, and the former assemblywoman made some enemies in Sacramento. Other potential appointees, or at least people interested in an appointment, have been heard in the mix; former Mariposa County supervisor Art Baggett, for one. Valley lawmakers have pressed Obama to name a Californian to a top Agriculture Department position; though the name of Modesto-area farmer Bill Lyons Jr. has floated up, Lyons may have other priorities for the moment.