06:50 PM ET 03/11/99
Mrs. Clinton May Form Committee
Mrs. Clinton May Form Committee
By RON FOURNIER=
AP Political Writer=
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Hillary Rodham Clinton, in another sign of
her interest in the New York Senate seat, is considering forming an
exploratory committee that would cover any costs of her decision-making.
The idea of such a preliminary step has been discussed as a
way to avoid any questions of impropriety in the raising and spending of
money, a senior adviser said Thursday, speaking on condition of
anonymity. The discussions are still preliminary and it is possible that
she won't form a committee, even if she does seek the seat held by
retiring Democratic Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the adviser said.
Still, the talks reflect how seriously Mrs. Clinton is
considering a campaign.
In interviews this week, several friends and associates said
the first lady appears more likely than ever to run for the Senate. One
confidant said Mrs. Clinton was ``very inclined'' to make the race. The
associates caution, however, that she does not plan to decide until late
summer or early fall.
Other advisers, including one who talked to her recently, say they're
not convinced she will run. Spokeswoman Marsha Barry has advice for all
Mrs. Clinton watchers: ``Everybody should just relax. She's not there
yet.''
___
Two supporters hope to get her there. Mrs. Clinton will meet
separately at the White House on Friday with the state's top Democrat
and the top Democrat in the New York Legislature.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver encouraged Mrs. Clinton to
run when she called him last month to talk about the Senate race.
Democratic Party Chairwoman Judith Hope has been one of the main
boosters of the Hillary-for-Senate craze.
___
Democratic Rep. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan intends to
announce her political plans sometime next week, and several Democrats
said Thursday they expect her to challenge first-term GOP Sen. Spencer
Abraham. Stabenow defeated a Republican incumbent to win her
Lansing-area seat in 1996. She has run statewide before, losing both
times.
Democratic sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said
Stabenow got encouraging polling data in recent weeks. Her way was
further eased when former Gov. James Blanchard announced he would not
enter the race for the Democratic nomination.
If Stabenow runs for the Senate, it would give Republicans a
shot at taking back her House seat.
___
EDITOR'S NOTE _ Associated Press writers Dave Espo, Shannon
McCaffrey and John Kelly contributed to this report.
