ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - The Republican seeking to unseat Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton went on the attack against the Democratic senator in their first debate Friday, accusing her of putting presidential aspirations ahead of voters. "I'm the only one standing on this platform who wants to be a United States senator for New York for the next six years," said Spencer, a former Yonkers mayor, in his opening remarks.
Clinton acknowledged that she has thought about running for the presidency in 2008, but said she is committed to running for Senate re-election.
"As you might guess, I've been asked that a few times before," she said of her possible White House aspirations. "I am focused on this election. I am focused on my work in the Senate. Obviously, people are talking about whether I will or should be running for president, and I'm flattered by that."
The debate was attracting much attention because Clinton, whose re- election appears increasingly likely, is the front-runner among potential 2008 Democratic presidential candidates. Analysts say the debates could be an important dress rehearsal for Clinton as she prepares to step onto the national stage.
Spencer is an ultra-conservative former mayor of the New York City suburb of Yonkers, battling anonymity and a national party that has forsaken his candidacy.
