Clinton 'urging Hillary to run for White House'

Former US President Bill Clinton is urging wife Hillary to stand for election to the White House, it was claimed today, despite her insistence that she wants to remain in the Senate until 2006.

Mrs Clinton, a Democratic Senator for New York, has moved to kill rumours in recent weeks that she will attempt to follow her husband’s career path in the Presidential election next year.

But with evidence that Democratic candidate General Wesley Clark is gathering growing support, Mr Clinton is brainstorming a way for his wife to get into the race, Time magazine reported.

If Gen Clark, former Supreme Allied Commander of Nato, wins the race to the White House it would scupper Mrs Clinton’s hopes in 2008, when she is expected to run.

And with President George Bush’s ratings on the slide, some Democrats are increasingly optimistic about Mr Clark’s chances.

Two sources told Time magazine that Mr Clinton has been urging his wife to reconsider her decision not to enter the 2004 race.

Her biggest obstacle would be back-tracking on promises that she wants to remain in the Senate for another three years a difficulty which her husband is now said to be mulling over.

Aides to the couple did not deny the claims but repeated that Mrs Clinton would remain a Senator until 2006.

Mr Clinton reportedly described his wife and Gen Clark as the “two stars” of the Democratic party during a gathering earlier this month.

At the weekend, a Newsweek magazine poll showed Gen Clark as the favourite among registered Democrat voters. There are 10 Democratic candidates competing to oust Mr Bush.

Meanwhile, Mr Bush’s approval rating has fallen, amid growing concerns at home about the war in Iraq and the economy.

Mrs Clinton made further attempts at the weekend to stamp on speculation that she was about to run by deleting messages on her supporters’ website which urged her to enter the race.

Her spokesman Philippe Reines said: “Senator Clinton has repeatedly said she will serve out her full six-year term.”