NEW YORK, NY January 13, 2009 —Secretary of State nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton intervened at least six times in government issues directly affecting companies and other interests that later contributed to her husband's foundation.

The Associated Press says the letters and donations in question involve pharmaceutical companies and telecommunications and energy interests. The overlap raises new questions about potential ethics conflicts.

An aide to the Senator says she made no secret of her involvement in many of the issues in question.

Clinton begins her confirmation hearing today before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.