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Obama hits New York, lauds Hillary
By UPI Staff
United Press International
December 6, 2006

NEW YORK (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Barack Obama came to Hillary Rodham Clinton's turf for a fundraiser and told reporters the New York senator would be a strong presidential candidate.

Obama was the speaker at a dinner that raised $700,000 for Kids in Distressed Situations, the New York Daily News reported. Tickets went for $2,500 each.

"I have the utmost respect for Hillary Clinton," he told reporters. "She has been a friend and an ally. She could win if she ran."

Neither Clinton nor Obama has made a formal announcement about seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.

The two senators have opposite problems. Clinton, a hate target for many on the right, is almost too well-known -- someone most voters have an opinion on. The Illinois senator, only two years into his first Senate term, has become the party's rock star but is also viewed as having little experience in foreign affairs.

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