John Edwards is out of the presidential picture, but democrats are still keeping a close eye on him.

Edwards dropped out of the presidential race last week because of poor showings in the early caucuses. However, one University professor said Edwards still carries some weight in the democratic race.

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Political Science Professor Brian Gaines said that Edwards’ presidential hopes may be nonexistent. But his political clout and well-publicized name make him an apt candidate for a cabinet position if the democrats’ nominee make it to the White House.

“I can imagine that maybe he is hedging his bets, that he’s hoping that he can retain some appeal to both of them thinking about probably a cabinet position,” Gaines said. “I think in his fondest dreams he’d like to be an Attorney General.”

Professor Gaines said this may be why Edwards has yet to make an endorsement.

Without a clear frontrunner, he isn’t willing to put all of his eggs into one basket. However, hopefuls Fred Thompson, Rudy Guiliani and Dennis Kucinich made endorsements after less-than-exciting caucus defeats.

Champaign County Democratic Chair Tony Fabri said if Edwards does wish to back either Clinton or Obama, he’d better do it fast.

“If his plan is to endorse someone, the longer he waits the less significance it has,” Fabri said. “You know, both campaigns want his endorsement but on the other hand I don’t know that it would drastically change things at this point.”

Fabri said after delegates choose the democratic nominee, Edwards will most likely endorse the candidate. The question is, will anyone be listening?