Clinton says she is still on track for State Department exit

Hillary Clinton says she still intends to step down as US secretary of state sometime around January's presidential inauguration, dispelling speculation over reports she might opt to stay in the post amid numerous diplomatic crises if President Barack Obama wins re-election.    

Clinton's future plans were questioned again this week after the Wall Street Journal reported that she had left the door open to delaying her departure.    

Clinton - often mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2016 - repeatedly has said she would serve only one term at the State Department, and a senior Clinton aide cautioned reporters against reading much into any suggestions she had changed her mind.    

Clinton, in her interview, indicated she is unlikely to be persuaded to stay on beyond the immediate transition.    

"I'm not really open to staying longer, but I also know that we have to be conscious of the work that has to be done," she told the Post. "And again, I'll have to talk to the president."    

If Republican challenger Mitt Romney wins on Nov. 6, he would pick his own secretary of state.


REUTERS