Clinton uses Durbin against his ally Obama
DES MOINES, Iowa -- In a mailing tailored to Iowa voters, presidential contender Hillary Rodham Clinton is using a rare split between Illinois' Democratic senators to provide cover for her vote to declare the Iranian Guard a terrorist organization.
The direct-mail piece features a picture of Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), a supporter of White House hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), and his explanation of why he disagreed with his ally.
Most senators, including Clinton and Durbin, voted for the Iran resolution. Obama, campaigning in New Hampshire, did not vote. He said he would have opposed it.
Obama has been critical of Clinton, saying the resolution could pave the way for war with Iran. Clinton and others say it's part of a strategy to apply diplomatic pressure on Iran.
The mailing demonstrates the Clinton campaign in Iowa is concerned about the impact of her vote.
"Let me be clear on Iran -- I am opposed to letting President Bush take any military action against that country without full Congressional approval," Clinton writes in the mailing. Lynn Sweet