Hillary Clinton considered as next U.S. secretary of state: reports

Hillary Clinton is being considered for the post of U.S. secretary of state under her former rival, President-elect Barack Obama, according to reports.

Two advisers to the New York senator, who competed unsuccessfully against Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination, told NBC News that she was under consideration to replace Condoleezza Rice as the United States' top diplomat.

The Washington Post carried a similar report Thursday.

Clinton, the wife of former U.S. president Bill Clinton, flew to Chicago — Obama's home turf — on Thursday, although it was said to be on personal business. Neither Clinton nor Obama aides would comment on whether she met with the president-elect for discussions.

"Any speculation about cabinet or other administration appointments is really for President-elect Obama's transition team to address," said Clinton's senior adviser, Philippe Reines.

Other potential candidates for the job include 2004 presidential contender John Kerry, who was defeated by incumbent George W. Bush, and Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, who threw his weight behind Obama over McCain in the recent election.

When asked Monday whether she would consider accepting a position in Obama's administration, Clinton reportedly did not say no. 

"I am happy being a senator from New York, I love this state and this city. I am looking at the long list of things I have to catch up on and do," Clinton said, according to a report by CNN.

"But I want to be a good partner and I want to do everything I can to make sure his agenda is going to be successful."

Obama is due to be sworn in Jan. 20, 2009.