Clinton Decision Expected Soon

Democrats close to Sen. Hillary Clinton have told associates that by close of business on Friday, they hope to know, one way or the other, whether Clinton will become President-elect Barack Obama's Secretary of State. Others say that while they expect a decision very soon, although no time-frame has been given.

Fewer than a half dozen Clinton aides and advisers are privy to the details of the vetting and to the state of Clinton's thinking about the job.

Given the size of the colander holes in Washington these days, the decision, whenever it is made, will probably leak fairly rapidly.

The Politico's Mike Allen reported Wednesday that loose ends will be wrapped up in short order, and that an announcement of Clinton's position could come before Thanksgiving. 

Transition officials caution that the timing of any announcement is subject to change.  One Democrat in daily contact with transition officials said the Clinton appointment "is all but a done deal," although that official did not know whether Clinton has formally accepted a formal offer. 

So maybe we know nothing more than we know already.

A Clinton spokesman referred all requests for comment to the transition team; a transition spokesman declined to comment.