Speculation begins on who will take over the reins at Boeing.(Chicago Tribune)

Byline: James P. Miller

CHICAGO _ The dust hasn't settled yet from the abrupt exits of Boeing's two highest-ranking corporate officers, but handicappers _ on Wall Street, in Boeing's shell-shocked executive suite, and throughout the aerospace industry _ are already trying to work out who's got the best shot at taking the corporate reins in the future.

Of course, the succession issue isn't a near-term question, according to Harry Stonecipher, the 67-year-old former Boeing president company directors called out of retirement to head the aerospace giant after Chief Executive Officer Phil Condit stepped down.

In view of his age and his status as a retiree spending his days on the golf courses of St. Petersburg, Fla., many observers initially concluded that Stonecipher would serve as a temporary caretaker while Boeing conducted a search for a new CEO.

But in a Monday-morning conference call with analysts, the blunt-talking Stonecipher sought to lay that idea to rest. He not only sounded glad to be back, but determined to stick around.

"I view it as being hired to do a new job," he said. "It's a great job, with a great company. I'm going to be here as long as the board puts up with me, or my health deteriorates," Stonecipher continued, "and hopefully neither will happen soon."

Even if Stonecipher settles into Boeing's top job there will still be jockeying to succeed him at the helm of one of the nation's leading corporations.