If Clinton Chosen, Campaign Debts Would Wait

[helderheid]

November 20, 2008
If Clinton Chosen, Campaign Debts Would Wait
By MICHAEL LUO

Vendors still owed money from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign could be out of luck for years should she become secretary of state.

Mrs. Clinton still had about $7.9 million in outstanding bills from her presidential campaign at the end of September, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Philippe Reines, a spokesman for Mrs. Clinton, said she has since whittled it to $7.6 million, not including the $13.2 million she loaned her campaign out of her own pocket, which officials have said she does not expect to be repaid.

“Senator Clinton has said that paying off her campaign vendors is a priority for her,” Mr. Reines said in a statement, “and she remains committed to that goal.”

But the Hatch Act, which governs the political activities of federal employees, including cabinet officials, normally prohibits the solicitation and receipt of political contributions.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/us/politics/20clinton.html?_r=1&nl=pol&emc=pola1