We've barely begun this nomination process, but it's never too early to start thinking about the next one.

In a briefing Thursday with a small group of columnists, President Obama's senior adviser David Axelrod gave a sneak peak into the potential nominees Obama may tap if he gets a second chance. In discussing the administration's reasons for choosing Sonia Sotomayor, Axelrod praised the other finalists and said the president had made a case for each one.

"It wouldn't at all surprise me if some of the very same people were back in the Oval Office talking to him," if he gets another choice, Axelrod said.

Axelrod did not go into detail as to which specific finalists he was referring to, but in an earlier briefing Tuesday after the announcement, the White House said the other frontrunners who had a personal interview with Obama were Solicitor General Elena Kagan, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Judge Diane Wood.