Hillary leads her Democratic rivals

Washington, Jan 21 (UNI) Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, has a wide lead over her potential Democratic rivals, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News survey.

Clinton took 41 per cent in a hypothetical primary field against 12 other Democrats, far ahead of Senator Barack Obama at 17 per cent, former Senator John Edwards at 11 per cent and former Vice President Al Gore at 10 per cent.

The party's 2004 nominee -- Sen John Kerry -- received 8 per cent support.

On the Republican side, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani held a 34 per cent to 27 per cent lead over Senator John McCain, with no other potential candidate registering in double digits among the Republican presidential aspirants.

Hillary Clinton, wife of former President Bill Clinton, yesterday formally announced that she would establish a presidential exploratory committee, launching a 2008 campaign. If she wins, she will be the first female president in US history and the only former first lady to succeed her husband in the White House.

Clinton, 59, criticized the Bush administration, saying after six years of his presidency,'' it is time to renew the promise of America.'' ''Let's talk about how to end the war in Iraq and restore respect for America around the world,'' she added.

She spoke about making the country energy-independent, free of foreign oil.

She highlighted her middle class roots, setting her agenda to boost the prospects of the middle class which, she said, had been neglected under the current Republican regime.

Earlier, this week, African-American Democrat Barack Obama had announced formation of his exploratory committee. If he wins, he would be the first African-American.

Republican Senator Sam Brownback of the Midwestern US state of Kansas announced his candidacy for the 2008 race yesterday.

The process of selection of party nominees which has formally begun will continue for almost two years.

UNI