Hillary Clinton tipped for top job in Obama team

US president-elect Barack Obama’s former rival Hillary Clinton is being considered as a possible secretary of state in his administration, according to US reports today.

Two sources close to the Obama transition team told CNN they were considering the former first lady for the high-profile and influential position.

The 61-year-old New York Senator’s office said any speculation about Cabinet or other administration appointments was for Obama’s transition team to address.

Other sources in Mr Obama’s transition team told the Chicago Tribune Mrs Clinton would be an asset to the new administration but declined to confirm reports she was under consideration for secretary of state.

Several other names have been mentioned for the post, including John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Mr Obama, who has vowed to put aside partisanship and work across the aisle, said the president-elect would meet his former Republican rival John McCain on Monday.

Obama-Biden transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said: “On Monday, President-elect Barack Obama and Senator John McCain will meet in Chicago at transition headquarters.

“It’s well known that they share an important belief that Americans want and deserve a more effective and efficient government, and will discuss ways to work together to make that a reality.”

Congressman Rahm Emanual, Mr Obama’s White House chief of staff, and Senator Lindsey Graham will also attend the meeting.