NY POST

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HILL MUDDIES WATERS ON NEVER RUNNING FOR PREZ
Saturday,April 7,2001

By BRIAN BLOMQUIST

JUST SHOOT ME:

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, posing for a 7-year-old boy yesterday at the Capitol, insisted her flat declaration she'll never run for president was "saying what I always said" - but that only fueled speculation about her plans.
- AP

WASHINGTON - Will she or won't she?

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday added further confusion to her surprising statement to The Post on Thursday that she'll never - ever - run for president.

Pressed by reporters on The Post's front-page story yesterday, Clinton claimed it's been her position all along.

But she refused to repeat the words that would once and for all rule out a White House bid.

Frequently rumored to be a possible presidential candidate in 2004, Clinton told The Post Thursday it's never going to happen.

"So, Senator Clinton, are you ruling out a run for president not just in 2004, but in 2008 and beyond?" The Post asked.

"Yes," she replied.

Talking to reporters yesterday, Clinton said, "I didn't say anything differently [to The Post] than I've always said.

"I'm going to be the best senator I can be. I'm going to serve out my term and I don't intend to run for president."

"I'm saying what I always said."

But the phrase "what I always said" left room for doubt, in part because the former first lady and her husband are famous for choosing their words carefully.

What Clinton has said in the past is that she would serve out her six-year Senate term, declining to comment beyond that.

Later yesterday, Clinton had yet another chance to slam the door on the speculation when she was asked if she "ever" intends to seek the presidency.

Her answer: "I have nothing to add to what I said."

Chung Seto, a spokeswoman for the New York state Democratic Party, insisted Clinton's position hasn't changed, but Seto didn't flatly rule out a presidential attempt at some time in the future.

"She has consistently said that she is serving out her term as senator and so her answers have always been just that," Seto said.

"She's really committed to being a great senator from New York and I don't think she's looking beyond 2006. I don't know how many times she has to answer the question."

But Republican strategist Nelson Warfield predicted the talk of a Clinton presidential campaign won't fade.

"I just think this is the latest chapter in the Hillary Clinton saga," Warfield said.

"I'm certain this does not end either her cogitation or the press' speculation."