Word on the street said that President Obama may be close to appointing John W. Thompson, the outgoing chief executive of network security firm Symantec Corp., as the next Commerce Secretary.  This could also be good news for the high-tech industry, giving us more of a voice in the Obama administration.

Thompson, who led the company over the last decade, announced in November that he would retire as chief executive at the end of Symantec's fiscal year in April but the company said he would remain on as chairman of the board. 

In recent days, Thompson has reportedly been speaking with key senators and making a favorable impression.  If nominated and confirmed, this would be the last open position in Obama's Cabinet.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Silicon Valley lawyer Craig Johnson, chief executive of Virtual Law Partners, described the Symantec CEO as a "can-do" person who would strengthen ties between Silicon Valley and the nation's capital. 

"Having someone like John in the inner circle of Obama's Cabinet in Washington, D.C., would mean having someone represent the voice of the entrepreneur," Johnson said.

A spokesman for Symantec said Thompson was not available to comment.