November 19, 2008 Clinton weighs secretary of state post Play video

(NECN: Alison King) - Will Hillary Clinton leave the Senate to become secretary of state? Clinton associates, not named, say she is weighing that choice, and that husband Bill Clinton is willing to answer concerns about possible conflicts of interest.

The former first lady says being a senator is a job that she loves -- it gives her independence and would allow her an opportunity to work on one of her signature issues -- universal health care. But, some of her closest supporters say a Secretary of State Clinton would be a win-win move.

"She's not only the most famous women in the world, but more than that, she's one of the most beloved from her eight years as first lady," says former Democratic National Committee Chairman Steve Grossman, a friend and advisor to the Clintons.

But others, like Massachusetts Republican Party Chairman Peter Torkildsen, a congressman during the Clinton years, says Clinton may be qualified to be secretary of state, but it would be a poor choice, given Barack Obama's campaign promise for change.

"Barack Obama ran on a pledge of not being the third term of the Clinton administration, and so far, I think 85 or 90% of his appointees actually worked in the Clinton administration," says Torkildsen.

Some Democrats close to the negotiations believe it is President Clinton who is proving to be a key road block in this. But, that may have changed since the former president has reportedly now made some concessions.