One of the most potent outside liberal-oriented political groups announced it would back Hillary Clinton if she chooses to seek the White House in 2016, the latest sign that senior members of President Barack Obama’s team were looking to line up with the former first lady.

The question was being asked in hallway whispers and excited chatter in many languages this week at the Clinton Global Initiative conference. It’s the question that follows Hillary Clinton everywhere — will she run for US president in 2016?

Republican challenger Mitt Romney has tried to drive a wedge between Barack Obama and former president Bill Clinton, who has taken an increasingly prominent role in the re-election effort.

Republicans raised and spent money for the presidential race at a frenetic pace in January, according to financial disclosures that also show why Democrats are concerned about the flagging Super PAC that supports President Barack Obama.