Posted on 01/01/2002 8:31:03 AM PST by Lance Romance
Grossman: Reich wrong on Clinton gov race neutrality
by David R. Guarino
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
Former President Bill Clinton has encouraged ex-Labor Secretary Robert Reich to run for governor and suggested he won't take sides - even with another longtime pal in the race, Reich said yesterday.
Reich said he called Clinton within the past two weeks to ``catch up'' and discuss his possible race for governor. Though there were reported fractures in their old friendship after Reich left the White House, Clinton ``was encouraging'' about the possible run, Reich said.
He said Clinton indicated he wouldn't side with prominent fund-raiser and former Democratic National Committee Chairman Steve Grossman.
``He didn't give any indication he'd support anyone in the race,'' Reich said in an interview.
That came as news to Grossman, whose press secretary yesterday said Clinton had agreed to campaign for Grossman before the September Democratic primary.
``I know the president has been very supportive of Steve and we look forward to him campaigning for Steve before the primary,'' said Grossman spokeswoman Alex Zaroulis.
Reich, a 55-year-old Brandeis University economics professor, said he's ``95 percent sure'' he'll join five other Democrats now weighing a race for governor. Reich said he'll make a decision in the next two weeks, but has raised $70,000 and signed on 200 campaign volunteers.
Reich met Clinton at Oxford University when they were Rhodes Scholars and, at Yale Law School, he introduced Clinton to his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
He said Clinton was among those he has been calling to gauge interest in his campaign. He said Clinton quickly asked how the campaign was going but said he didn't push the ex-president for advice or further counsel.
Reich said the two speak regularly, even after the former labor secretary's 1997 book ``Locked In The Cabinet'' criticized Clinton for, among other things, the work of close adviser Dick Morris and the centrist direction of his administration.
Reich was later forced to change the book after revelations that details and dialogue in it never took place, mistakes Reich attributes to mistaken memory.
The Cambridge resident also peeved many loyalists by abandoning Vice President Al Gore to support former Sen. Bill Bradley in the primaries.
Clinton couldn't be reached for comment.
If true, though, his absence would mean trouble for Grossman, a party insider hoping to make late gains in a local visit from the still-popular former president.
Grossman was a top fund-raiser for Clinton through his White House years and head of the party under Clinton.
One Democrat strategist said he expects Clinton will appear for Grossman.
``If Steve asked, Clinton would come - he owes him,'' the strategist said.
That came as news to Grossman, whose press secretary yesterday said Clinton had agreed to campaign for Grossman
I love it when Democrats have to face the fact that Clinton is a back stabbing SOB. I suspect Clinton will side with Grossman because he has the green.
We all know how Bubba holds grudges. Reich had better stay out of Arkansas and Fort Marcy Park.
In the People's Daily (Boston Globe) he proposed a state cap gains tax and raising the gas tax.
Or worse yet - Tommy Daschle President - Robert Reich Vice President!!
A pair that we really could look DOWN on!!!
Maybe it's his intent to cause that confusion just to pick up a vote or two.
It's just that he used to be such an extreme liberal...I mean to the point where you are just sure he has to be wearing liberal underwear and eats liberal food. He was the perfect liberal but now he seems to be trying to change that image. I get the picture now...anythinfg to get elected...let me put on my dunce hat for the rest of the day.
There is no love lost between him and the Clintons. He's had very few nice things to say.
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