Hillary Rodham Clinton, flanked by her husband, daughter and mother, formally announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate from New York, ending months of speculation and kicking off a campaign to win back millions of female voters who have become increasingly skeptical about her political quest.
"I may be new to the neighborhood, but I'm not new to your concerns," said Clinton, laying out a detailed agenda in a speech that was notably heavy on women's concerns, including education and health care.
Clinton became the first wife of a U.S. President to run for national elected office when she officially announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate from New York State.
"Because I believe we can meet these challenges together, I am honored today to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate from New York," announced Mrs. Clinton as the President and crowd of about 2000 gave her a standing ovation.
President Clinton did not speak at the event held near the Clinton's new home in Chappaqua, New York, but according to White House Chief of Staff John Podesta, he was "excited" about the First Lady's decision to enter the race.
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Podesta said, "The president will do anything he can do to help her in her election bid,... And that will include campaigning for her, I think.''
Clinton's opponent in the Senate race will be New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. A Republican, Giuliani has yet to officially announce his candidacy, but has stated publicly that he will run.
"Politics is the art of making possible what seems to be impossible, and that is why I want to be your senator," she told a cheering crowd of more than 2,000 supporters on the campus of the State University of New York at Purchase, about 40 miles north of New York City.
