First Lady Consults Key Strategists

Hillary Rodham Clinton and her advisors are contacting dozens of political consultants, Democratic donors and election law attorneys in a rapidly growing effort to determine whether she will run for the Senate in New York.

The first lady did some of her own research Friday, meeting privately in the White House with retiring New York Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a session that press secretary Marsha Berry called “an opportunity to explore thoughts.”

Several of Clinton’s advisors say she is increasingly warming to the notion of running. Yet they caution that her decision could be weeks or months away.

President Clinton said Friday that he will “be strongly supportive of whatever decision she makes” but that he was encouraging her to “take some time, get some rest, listen to people on both sides of the argument.”

“She has just been through a very exhausting year, and there are circumstances which have to be considered,” Clinton said. “I think some time has to be taken here.”

The possibility of a lengthy exploratory period worries New York Democrats who have little hope of fielding quality candidates until Hillary Clinton declares her intentions. Polls show that New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, often mentioned as a possible GOP nominee, leads all potential Democratic candidates with the exception of the first lady.

Close friends say her decision hinges mostly on personal issues, because she is already convinced she can raise enough money and build a strong political operation to mount a credible campaign. They say it boils down to this: Does she want to be a senator? And can she overcome her visceral distrust of the media and accept the scrutiny a campaign would bring?

After Hillary Clinton’s meeting Friday with Moynihan, whose retirement will open the New York seat, the senator said they discussed his state’s voting patterns and demographics.

“They’re more complex than you might think,” he said, adding that the numbers “look very good for her, but New York is a big demographic problem.” He said he did not advise her on whether she should run, but “of course I’d support her.”

Two friends who talked to her recently say Mrs. Clinton has suggested that, of all the options open to her, seeking the New York seat may be the most compelling.

Supporters have sounded out scores of political operatives from across the country, some of whom would be in line for campaign jobs if she runs. Bill Carrick and David Doak, both of whom have ties to New York, received calls recently.

Vice President Al Gore, after addressing the AFL-CIO executive committee in Florida on Friday, told reporters, “If she chooses to run for the Senate, I predict she will win and be a great senator.”

Gore, who is running for president in 2000, was asked if he would consider her as a vice presidential candidate. He chuckled and said, “You’ll have to hold off on questions like that until she can make her decision and I have the privilege” of winning the nomination and choosing a running mate.

Mrs. Clinton has met previously with Sens. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Robert Torricelli (D-N.J.); and a few female senators, including Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).