POL - Hillary dodges queries on New Square pardons

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Hillary Dodges Queries On New Square Pardons

By TIMOTHY J. BURGER Daily News Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON Hillary Rodham Clinton dodged questions yesterday about when she first heard that New Square Jewish leaders who backed her Senate campaign were unhappy with long prison terms that four of their associates were serving.

Clinton has said that the first she knew of the community's interest in winning clemency for the four men came at a December meeting she and former President Bill Clinton had with New Square leaders at the White House.

The Daily News reported yesterday that a witness has told federal prosecutors that the First Lady was present during a pre-Election Day discussion with New Square leaders about the case.

The Rockland County community voted overwhelmingly for her in the Senate race.

Questioned intensely by reporters at a convention of newspaper editors here, Clinton said she long ago said all she planned to say about New Square.

"I've talked about that," Clinton said, "and I have — repeatedly — answered questions about it. I have nothing to add to what I've said before."

As reporters questioned her further, aides repeatedly interjected comments such as, "I think she's addressed all that."

Clinton's office referred follow-up questions to her lawyer, David Kendall, who reiterated that "Sen. Clinton doesn't recall ever being present during any discussion of clemency."

In her speech, Clinton criticized President Bush's budget, then took questions from the editors about the book she's writing about her time in the White House and other topics.

She reiterated her pledge to serve "my full term" of six years as senator — and not run for President in 2004. But she asked an editor from the early caucus state of Iowa to invite her there to discuss her book.

She also said the former President — who is traveling in India — weighs in on her speeches and writings. "My husband does edit many of the things that I write ... including, you know, the speech that I delivered this morning on the budget, which he called me from India to convey," she said.

Original Publication Date: 4/6/01

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2001


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