"It's About the Clinton Family Money": Hillary Wants Obama to Pay Off Campaign Debt

Just up on the UK's Daily Telegraph. Toby Harnden, the Telegraph's US Editor, has just reported on his blog that Obama is in negotiations with Hillary, and the talk is of retiring her campaign debt.

From the article at www.telegraph.co.uk

Negotiations are understood to be taking place between the Obama and Clinton campaigns about the Illinois senator helping to repay some of the massive debt incurred by his rival. One of Hillary Clinton’s donors said that the former First Lady’s campaign was as much as $40 million in the red.

In a conference call with major donors this afternoon, contributors were told by Harold Ickes, a senior Clinton adviser, that she was unlikely to pull out of the race until the issue of her massive debts was resolved. The New York senator has lent her own campaign at least $11.5 million.

One source close to a major donor said: "It’s not about the vice-presidency or any other position she might get. It’s about the money – in particular the Clinton family money." The Obama campaign might have to reach deeply into its well-stocked coffers in order to secure the full support of Mrs Clinton and her husband Bill in the November general election.

Personally, I'd send my $5.00 if it means an end to all of this. No doubt, this will be a touchy subject for Obama supporters who have sent their hard-earned money his way. I'm aware that primary donations to Obama can't be used for this purpose, and that he can initiate fundraising for this purpose. I know from previous discussions that some of you are well-versed in the rules on this issue, and look forward to a refresher course on the subject.