Bill Pulls Big Bucks for Hill

March 21, 2007— -- Team Clinton (aka the Senator and the President) hit the fundraising circle in a joint appearance at Washington's Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Tuesday night, raking in nearly $3 million for the former first lady's presidential bid.

Surrounded by former Clinton administration officials, members of Congress, donors and supporters, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton took the stage hand-in-hand, appearing together for the second time this week, following a Manhattan fundraiser Sunday night, which raised just more than a million, according to campaign estimates.

Former President Clinton's short statements highlighted his wife's leadership and dedication to serving the public, citing her work here and abroad while in law school and as first lady.

"Long before she was in public office she was a public servant," he said. "Tonight I feel more strongly than I did 35 years ago when I told her that out of all the people in our generation, she's still the best."

The senator -- and second Clinton presidential contender -- addressed the guests as her husband joined the crowd and listened in. She poked fun at what would be her husbnd's historic role if she were to win the presidency.

"People ask me all the time, if you are elected, will you make him secretary of state?" she said to a crowd who giggled at the suggestion.

"Since President Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, I think that is illegal," Sen. Clinton joked, "but I sure will make him ambassador of the world because we have a lot of work to do."

Clinton then focused on her policy goals and listed universal health care coverage, energy independence and education among her priorities.

Highlighting the importance of becoming less dependent on foreign oil, Clinton described how proud she is of her husband for walking around the house with a bag of energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs, replacing the regular bulbs.

She said that with each light she turns off in their home, she says in her head, "Take that Iran. Take that Venezuela," adding, "Why do we want to be spending our money to go to regimes that are taking actions that are against America's interest? Let's get smart about doing what we need to do about a different energy future."