The Wall Street Journal: Hillary Clinton seen launching presidential bid in April
Hillary Clinton discusses her book, 'Hard Choices: A Memoir,' at George Washington University in June 2014
Hillary Clinton and her close advisers are telling Democratic donors she will enter the presidential race sooner than expected, likely in April, a move that would allay uncertainties within her party and allow her to rev up fundraising.
Clinton aides have spoken of the earlier timetable in private meetings, according to people engaged in recent discussions about the presumed Democratic front-runners emerging 2016 campaign. Many within her camp have advocated her staying out of the fray until the summer.
Jumping in sooner would help the Democratic field take shape, reassuring party leaders and donors that the former first lady, senator and secretary of state is running. A super PAC loyal to Clinton has faced hesitation from donors who dont want to make big pledges until she is a candidate. Such concerns would evaporate after she announces.
But Clinton would become an even larger target for Republicans when she enters the race. She also would be pressed to opine on a raft of thorny issues in the news, including how to combat the military advances of Islamic State militants in the Middle East.
One influential proponent of an earlier announcement is John Podesta, who is expected to play an important role in Clintons presidential campaign, one person familiar with the matter said. Podesta, who in January resigned as senior adviser in the Obama White House, declined to comment, as did a spokesman for Clinton.
An expanded version of this story is available at WSJ.com.
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The Wall Street Journal: Hillary Clinton seen launching presidential bid in April