Trump considering Senator Heitkamp of North Dakota for Cabinet: source

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HOUSTON President-elect Donald Trump is considering Democratic U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota for either the interior or energy secretary positions in his Cabinet, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

Reuters previously reported that Trump planned to meet with Heitkamp on Friday, according to his transition team. Trump requested the meeting with Heitkamp, the source said.

In a statement, Heitkamp said she appreciates "the president-elect inviting me for a meeting," adding that she hopes to "work with the president-elect and all of my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to best support my state."

The statement did not address a question from Reuters on whether a Cabinet position was being discussed. Heitkamp has been a supporter of domestic energy development, both in fossil fuels and renewable resources.

"Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota for either the interior or energy secretary positions in his Cabinet, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.Reuters previously reported that Trump planned to meet with Heitkamp on Friday, according to his transition team"

North Dakota is a major source of crude oil, coal and wind power.

Heitkamp was elected to the Senate in 2012 in a close race, putting her up for re-election in two years.

(Reporting by Ernest Scheyder; additional reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler and Jonathan Oatis)