Bill Clinton may testify at wife's hearing

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Republicans may ask ex-U.S. President Bill Clinton to testify at his wife's confirmation hearing about potential conflicts of interest, a GOP aide said.

"There are concerns about his international work across the board," an unidentified Republican aide told Politico.

"Seeking donations from foreign governments is definitely concerning. ... It has been discussed, and it will be discussed," the aide said.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for secretary of state, is scheduled for a confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee next month.

It is unusual for anyone other than the nominee to testify at a confirmation hearing.

A spokesman for the former president had no immediate comment.

One of the Republicans most concerned about possible conflicts of interest is Sen. David Vitter, R-La., Politico said.

His office had no immediate comment.

When Senator Clinton, D-N.Y., emerged as the leading contender for secretary of state, questions were raised about whether she could work as the chief U.S. diplomat while her husband continued to pursue global business dealings and foreign speechmaking.

In a bid to erase worries, the former president agreed to every request made by the Obama transition team, Obama and Clinton officials said.

The former president's Clinton Foundation, formed in 1997, has raised more than $500 million to build a presidential library and finance charitable programs.