First Lady Raises $100,000 in Arkansas

Arkansas Democrats on Sunday raised more than $100,000 for Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Senate race in New York and heard her pledge to continue “the policies that have worked” under native son Bill Clinton.

“I hope I will be able to win the trust and confidence of New York so I can join my voice to those who will say over and over again, ‘Let’s keep our country on the right track going into the future,’ ” the first lady told hundreds of supporters at Little Rock’s convention center.

Each paid $250 to hear her and the president give speeches at the event that raised more than $100,000 for her Senate bid.

The Illinois-born Mrs. Clinton lived in Arkansas for years while her husband served as attorney general and governor of the state. The Clintons have said they plan to live at their new home in Chappaqua, N.Y., whether or not she wins the race.

Longtime Arkansas friends made clear it was fine by them if she sought political office in New York.

Mrs. Clinton held her fire against her expected Republican opponent, New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, but she attacked Republicans in general for wanting to use some of the surplus federal tax revenues for a broad tax cut.

She said she wanted to continue “the policies that have worked” under her husband and vowed to pursue improving health care and education for Americans.

Introducing his wife, Clinton gave a powerful testimonial to her and said his presidential library set to be built in Little Rock will have an apartment on top where he will stay sometimes and “even Sen. Hillary will be there some too.”

“I think the Senate would be a much better place if she were there. I think she would do a superb job for the people of New York. I think she would be great for America,” he said.