Her own mother is urging her to dump the President - and her political strategists agree. Trapped in a terrible dilemma, Hillary is devastated that her personal loyalty could destroy her run for Senate and her entire political career.

Hillary's mother has rushed to her daughter's side - offering advice and comfort.

Recent polls in the New York Senate race show the First Lady losing support - especially among women who are angry that she never struck back at her skirt-chasing hubby.

But Hillary, who's stood by Bill's side through thick and thin, doesn't want to humiliate her husband by making him the first President to be divorced while in office.

"The decision is tearing her up. She's in agony," an insider told The ENQUIRER.

"Hillary stays up late in her bedroom talking on the phone with her closest friends about her next move. She is torn by what to do."

Top Hillary supporter Rosie O'Donnell went so far as to tell an interviewer: "I wish that she was running for Senate as a divorcee."

While some might see a divorce announcement as a cynical election strategy, top independent pollster John Zogby told The ENQUIRER:

"It would certainly attract working women and young female voters who -feel she should have left her husband long ago."

And Hillary needs all the help she can get!

A year ago, a poll conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion showed she had the support of 58 percent of women, compared to only 34 percent for her opponent, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

By February 23, Hillary's support among women had plummeted 14 points to 44 percent - while Giuliani , had climbed impressively to 43 percent.

A Washington, D.C., insider laid it on the line: "If Hillary cannot get enough women behind her, she will lose the Senate race - so it's time for drastic measures and Hillary's mother knows that."

The First Lady's politically , attuned mother Dorothy has seen the handwriting on the wall and is waging a forceful campaign for Hillary to boot Bill - for political and personal reasons.

A source close to the Clintons revealed: "Dorothy has told Hillary, 'Bill didn't need you when he was riding high. He took his personal pleasures elsewhere and you had to swallow your pride.

"'Now the shoe is on the other foot - and you don't need him."'

Divulged an inside source: "Hillary told an aide, 'Being married to Bill is actually a political liability with women. At first they saw me as a victim and rallied to my support.'"

But now many of them have turned against her, added the source, "for sticking with a husband who's an obvious cheat and lecher."

Advisers are telling Hillary that by booting Bill she can "reinvent her image as a tough, strong woman, who will not stand to be humiliated," divulged a well-placed source.

"But she doesn't want to destroy Bill's presidential legacy by making him the first President to be divorced in office. Yet if she doesn't, she might sacrifice the biggest dream of her life - holding political office.

"Hillary has one goal in life - to become President. That's why the Senate race is so important to her. She is in agony over this devastating choice.

"The entire ordeal has left her crushed and sad causing, her to emotionally collapse and break down behind the scenes."

The storm-tossed Senate candidate is also deeply concerned about how her fragile 20- year-old daughter Chelsea would take a divorce. Hillary's putting on a brave front but is broken up on the inside, declared the Washington insider. "She admitted she needed her mom's support - and Dorothy went to her side.

"As strong-minded and capable as Hillary is, she really needed her mother because she got so depressed over the difficult decision facing her. "

Hillary and her mom have gotten together at the First Lady's new Chappaqua, N.Y., home to brainstorm, revealed the insider. Dorothy, who's never been closer to her daughter, even spent the first night with her in Chappaqua - and has been a regular presence there ever since.

The First Lady is glad that someone is "stepping in to help her hold it together emotionally," divulged the insider.

And she'll need that support as she bravely pursues the Senate race in the face of public humiliation.

On March 11, she became the butt of painful jokes at an annual show put on by the Inner Circle, a group of 120 reporters who cover New York's City Hall.

The ENQUIRER went to the black-tie charity affair - attended by 1,000 persons including Mayor Giuliani - to watch Hillary's reactions.

The First Lady laughed politely when a reporter playing her on-stage said: "We live in Chappaqua now - that's Indian for 'Land of Separate Bedrooms."' Hillary forced a wide smile, then held it frozen in place until the roaring laughter died down.

In a musical number, "Just Watch Hillary," she again took it on the chin as the First Lady character sang: "Some people say that I'm a dope to stick with Bill... "

In one slashing skit, "Hillary" winds up in jail along with Latin sexpot Jennifer Lopez. The Bill Clinton character bails out Jennifer - but leaves "Hillary" behind bars!

On this occasion, The ENQUIRER learned, the First Lady was prepared for the verbal assault. One of her staff members had at- tended the dress rehearsal, took notes - then fully briefed her.

The insider concluded: "While the future is still unclear, Hillary is sure of one thing.

"She told me, 'I am not returning to Arkansas. Bill can spend the rest of his days in that state and that may be heaven for him but for me, it's not."'

- BENNET BOLTON and TONY BRENNA