Clinton open to VP slot, lawmakers say

WASHINGTON, June 3 (UPI) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton told New York legislators Tuesday she would consider being Barack Obama's running mate if he leads the ticket, two lawmakers say.

Rep. Charles Rangel, a senior member of the New York Democratic delegation, told CNN, "I have reason to believe she is open to the (vice president) slot."

On the last day of the Democratic primary season, Obama, the senator from Illinois, was inching closer to the 2,118 delegates needed to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination. Various news organizations said he was between 24 delegates and 30 delegates away from becoming the party nominee.

A close friend and adviser of Clinton has told CNN the former first lady would say Tuesday after Montana and South Dakota polls close that "she will do whatever it takes" to elect a Democratic president and is "committed to Democrats winning in November."