Sources: Richardson a 'serious contender' for Commerce job

Sources: Richardson a 'serious contender' for Commerce job

Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico is a serious contender for commerce secretary, but he could be tapped for another senior post, two sources close to the transition told CNN Friday.

Gov. Bill Richardson is being considered for commerce secretary but could also be given another top post.

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The sources said they do not consider Richardson's appointment to the Commerce Department to be a done deal.

Richardson, 61, was a candidate for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

Currently in his second term as New Mexico's governor, he previously served as ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary in the Clinton administration.

Richardson is also considered to be a possibility for the secretary of state post.

Friday, Sen. Hillary Clinton's camp shot down media reports saying that she had already agreed to accept the secretary of state position.

"We're still in discussions, which are very much on track," said Philippe Reines, Clinton's senior adviser. "Any reports beyond that are premature."

The New York Times reported Friday that Clinton would give up her Senate seat and accept the Cabinet post, citing two confidants, who said the decision was made after further consultation with President-elect Barack Obama about the nature of her role and his foreign policy plans.

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A Senior Obama aide told CNN there has been no development on a possible Clinton appointment since they informed CNN yesterday she is "on track" to be nominated for secretary of state.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Timothy J. Geithner will be nominated to be treasury secretary.

Geithner, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, began working with the Treasury Department in 1988 in the International Affairs division. In 1999 he became under secretary of the treasury for international affairs.

Obama's transition team also appears close to choosing a national security adviser to the White House.

Two sources close to the Obama transition team tell CNN retired Marine Gen. Jim Jones has emerged as the president-elect's leading choice for the position.

The sources said Jones has been given the impression by Obama that the job is his if he wants it. But the officials said there are still private discussions under way and that no final decision has been made.

The discussions are focused on precisely how much power Jones will have in the staff job since he is used to being in a command role. Among his many posts, Jones served for several years as the operational commander for NATO