Powell would consider Clinton Cabinet post, report says

ORLANDO, Florida (AllPolitics, Nov. 9) -- Retired Army Gen. Colin Powell, who decided against running as a Republican presidential candidate or running mate, said he would consider a cabinet post in President Clinton's new administration if offered a position.

"I would consider it, but I can say that no one has contacted me," Powell told The Orlando Sentinel in a story published Saturday.

The former national security adviser and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been mentioned as a possible successor to Secretary of State Warren Christopher or Secretary of Defense William Perry.

The White House on Friday would not say whether Powell, a Republican, was being considered for a cabinet position.

After winning re-election Tuesday, Clinton said he would consider a bipartisan cabinet to work with the Republican Congress.

Powell spoke with the Sentinel after delivering a speech to 5,000 members of an auto-repair convention in Orlando on Friday.

"You always have to listen to your president," Powell told the newspaper.

Powell denied rumors during the Republican National Convention in August that presidential nominee Bob Dole had offered to make him secretary of state if elected.

While in Orlando, Powell dismissed questions about whether he will seek the presidency in 2000.

"Right now, I'm enjoying life," he said.

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