Clinton 'on track' to be Secretary of State

A spokesman for Hillary Rodham Clinton says the New York senator is still in discussion over whether to accept the US Secretary of State job, though the talks are “very much on track”.

Spokesman Philippe Reines and other Clinton officials flatly denied reports tonight that she had accepted the job offer. But officials in both camps said they have every reason to believe that President-elect Barack Obama will announce her as his choice shortly after Thanksgiving.

An official in the Clinton camp said: “They’re just talking about the state of the world and what’s next.”

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Mr Obama or Mrs Clinton are prepared to go public.

President-elect Barack Obama is likely to name Federal Reserve Governor Timothy Geithner as treasury secretary next week.

An official close to the senator says the New York Federal Reserve president is the leading contender for the job and is likely to be nominated on Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because Obama has not finalised his decision.

The development comes as Mr Obama prepares for how he will grapple with a collapsing economy. Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico is under serious consideration to be commerce secretary.

Mr Geithner has played a key role in the government’s response to the financial crisis and worked closely with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.