Clinton Sets Wheels in Motion for Expected Bid for Reelection

It’s official: Bill Clinton is running for President again.

Clinton took his first formal steps toward seeking reelection on Friday, filing papers with the Federal Election Commission to set up a campaign staff.

The organization, formally called the Clinton-Gore ’96 Primary Committee Inc., will attempt to raise almost $34 million to pay for Clinton’s political travel, polling and advertising over the coming year.

On Monday, Clinton is expected to send a letter to “1 million of his closest friends,” White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry said, telling them why he’s decided to run--and including a return envelope so they can send back a check.

“My message to you is that I need your partnership once again to succeed in the most challenging campaign I will ever face,” Clinton says in the letter.

“Americans are understandably frustrated and eager for change, but there are no mandates to support the dangerous and shortsighted measures” of the Republican Party, the letter says. “The 1996 elections will be a referendum on how we want to live together, work together and prosper together in America.”

Clinton will make a gala formal announcement of his candidacy later this year, but Friday’s formalities were necessary so that his committee could begin raising money.

No other Democrats have announced plans to contest the nomination, although former Pennsylvania Gov. Robert P. Casey has said he is considering it.