Mrs. Clinton Urges Election Reform

Source: The Associated Press
Published: 12-11-00 1924EST Author: By SHANNON McCAFFREY

WASHINGTON (AP) - Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday the Presidential election impasse in Florida shows the need for election reform, possibly a special panel to seek better ways for Americans to cast their ballots.

``We have to take a hard look, perhaps with a commission or some kind of joint congressional committee, to look at and see what is the best technology, the safest, most accurate technology,'' the first lady, senator-elect from New York, said in an interview on CNN's ``Larry King Live.''

``There ought to be a way for the federal government to perhaps provide some assistance, to work toward a standardized ballot that states would be asked to consider accepting,'' she said.

Just after her election Clinton said she favored abolishing the electoral college in favor of a popular vote to determine the winner of the Presidency. She amended that a few days later, saying passage of a constitutional amendment to end the electoral college system was unlikely.

Clinton also said Monday that her dealings with Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott so far have been cordial and collegial. Just after her election Lott, R-Miss., warned that Clinton would ``have to get used to'' being just one of 100 senators.

``People say things in the heat of partisanship,'' Clinton said. ``I see no reason for us to not be in a very cordial, collegial relationship.''

She said she would be able to work with whoever prevails in the Presidential contest, whether it is Republican George W. Bush or Democrat Al Gore, her husband's vice president.

Nevertheless, she said after eight years in the White House, inauguration day will be a moving experience.

``My husband's Presidency will be ending. I will be assuming a different role,'' she said. ``So no matter what the outcome of the election, it's going to be poignant.''

Clinton also said she does not necessarily favor committees in the Senate having co-chairmen but said the issue should be negotiated by Lott and the current Democratic leader, Tom Daschle of South Dakota. Daschle has said if the Senate is split 50-50, the possibility of co-chairmen should be on the table.

HENCH adds: "Just after her election Clinton said she favored abolishing the electoral college CONSTITUTION......."

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