Although England lost the Test series 1-0 they then won their first one-day series win in the Caribbean and Flower's good relationship with Strauss has helped to make him the leading candidate for the permanent role.

BBC: Strauss seeks new coach decision

The 51-year-old former Fed governor and Princeton University economist was considered a top candidate, in part, because of his close relationship with Mr. Bush, who named Bernanke to the Fed Board in 2002 and chairman of his Council of Economic Advisers earlier this year.

NPR: President's Top Economic Adviser Picked to Run Fed

Jim Oberweis, the GOP candidate hoping to win in Illinois, had a rocky relationship with his fellow Republicans and had alienated many in the party with earlier runs for governor and the U.S. Senate.

NPR: GOP Nervous About Trends in Special House Races

Mr Anastasiades has built a strong relationship with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders, and has presented himself as the candidate best suited to deal with Brussels.

BBC: Debt crisis overshadows Cyprus presidential election