Are Secretaries of State Almost Always Overrated?

[dmmidmi]

The nice thing about running for SOS is you often don't have to take any political positions whatsoever. Whereas with Attorney General, your agenda, political lean, and policy priorities are on full-display. That step in between (Governor, US House) provides the electorate with the opportunity to get a "feel" for a former SOS's true political colors and abilities as a legislator/executive. Based on the fact that nobody in the US Senate got there directly from their SOS job, it's pretty clear that the office itself doesn't sufficiently serve as a stepping stool to the US Senate.