By: Amie Parnes and Glenn Thrush

Uncertainty over Hillary Rodham Clinton’s potential appointment as Secretary of State is rekindling interest in the creation of a new position for her in the Senate Democratic leadership, according to Democratic aides.

Discussion of the “new leadership role” for Clinton has gone on “for a couple of weeks” – pre-dating this week’s negotiations over the job at State, said one staffer familiar with the situation.

“There was a lot of talk about having to do something for her,” said a Democratic aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “That seemed unnecessary when the State thing popped up.”

Now, some allies see such an appointment as a possible soft landing for the former first lady if she isn’t tapped for Obama’s cabinet — or if she rejects an offer.

The staffer said there’s been no discussion of a specific title for Clinton in the Senate leadership – but that the post being envisioned would be outside the five existing Democratic leadership slots.

The new post would return Clinton to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s leadership circle: She served as chairwoman of the Democratic Steering Committee until stepping aside in 2006 for her presidential bid. She was replaced by Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow.

Some Democrats have reportedly been mulling creation of a Clinton-led task force that would have a research budget and staff, according to one Democratic staffer.

No decisions have been made pending resolution of the agonizingly slow – and uncharacteristically public — back-and-forth between Clinton and the transition team.

Politico has reported that a Clinton appointment at State could be announced before Thanksgiving. But some close to the former first lady say she’s torn about taking a role in the new administration at the expense of her Senate seat.

Additional reporting by Martin Kady II

Copyright © 2008 Capitol News Company, LLC | Distributed by Noofangle Media