WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-New York, began her second term in the Senate Thursday with a former commander-in-chief by her side.

Clinton's husband, ex-President Bill Clinton, did his best to stay out of the spotlight as his wife took the oath and speculation swirled about whether she, herself, will seek the presidency. But the former president almost made news when asked his thoughts about President Bush's plan to increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq. The ex-president started to answer, but an aide to Sen. Clinton quickly cut off the conversation. Clinton stopped himself and then responded, "Ask me again tomorrow."

As the Clinton's, accompanied by daughter Chelsea and the senator's mother, walked through the hallways they bumped into Sen. Robert Byrd, who holds the title of longest serving senator in history. The West Virginia Democrat, who wields considerable power and influence on Capitol Hill, appeared star struck at the chance meeting.