Associated Press
Tuesday, February 16, 1999; 6:25 p.m. EST

Text of first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's statement on possible Senate candidacy:

I am deeply gratified by the large number of people who have encouraged me to consider running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Until now, I have not been able to do so, but I will give careful thought to a potential candidacy in order to reach a decision later this year. In the meantime, I intend to continue to focus my attention on the issues central to the president's agenda and on which we have worked together for many years.