Powell not interested Obama post

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says he enjoys private life and is not looking to join the administration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Powell, a Republican who crossed party lines to endorse Obama's campaign, said he's staying out of politics, CNN reported.

"I am very happy in private life, thank you very much, and I'm trying to be as helpful as I can to the president-elect and the vice president-elect," Powell said. "I look forward to assisting in anyway that I can, but I have not been offered a job, and I've kind of made it clear that I am not looking for a position."

Powell also praised Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton, calling her "the most distinguished public servant. I am a very close friend of hers, and I congratulate her selection and appointment as Secretary of State. I think she'll do a very, very fine job."