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By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Tuesday, February 16, 1999

New York politicos are all aflutter over signs of a possible 2000 Senate bid by Hillary Clinton. Democratic Rep. Charles Rangle told The New York Times she'd have a free ticket through the primaries. Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) said he has spoken with the first lady about her decision, which could be announced in a March 3 speech in Manhattan.

"The country may be glad it's over, but plenty of us pundits would be wailing the Postimpeachment Blues today if all the millennium promised was Al Gore against Bush the Younger." – Columnist Sidney Zion. (New York Daily News, Feb. 16) .

Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, whose retirement prompted the speculation, praised Clinton's "Illinois-Arkansas enthusiasm" – a gentle reminder that she doesn't even live in New York. A New York Post editorial reminded readers that Hillary the Candidate would have to explain her off-the-cuff remarks such as endorsing a Palestinian state. "This is more fun for the media than it is real politics," said New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, a potential GOP opponent.

• Hillary Rodham Clinton Would Be 'Terrific' Senator, President Says (The New York Times, Feb. 16)
• Senator Hillary? President Likes Idea (The Times-Union, Albany, Feb. 16)
• Hillary vs. Rudy – That Would Be Fight of Century (Daily News, New York, Feb. 16)
• Senator Clinton? (Newsday, New York, Feb. 16)
• Supportive Prez Says Sen. Hillary Sounds 'Terrific' (New York Post, Feb. 16)
• Can Hillary Run in the Empire State? (New York Post, Feb. 16)

Ryan Thornburg can be reached at ryan.thornburg@washingtonpost.com