
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, February 28, 1994                   TAG: 9402280042
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MIAMI                                LENGTH: Medium

MR. RODHAM GOES TO WASHINGTON?

He says he's been lampooned by Rush Limbaugh and in major newspapers, but Hillary Rodham Clinton's younger brother insists his interest in running for the U.S. Senate is no laughing matter.

"Anybody who thinks this is a joke is badly, badly mistaken," said Hugh Rodham. "I don't think it is . . . in the least little bit funny, but I think that is the spin the Republicans would rather prefer people have on it."

The burly Dade County assistant public defender, who has been compared to heavyset actor John Candy and Norm on "Cheers," is expected to officially announce his candidacy for the seat occupied by popular Republican senator Connie Mack today on CNN's "Larry King Live."

"I resent the fact that people Rodham compare me to comedic actors, though there's probably some grounds for physical resemblance," complains Rodham, a former Penn State backup quarterback who keeps a life-size cardboard cutout of coach Joe Paterno in his office.

Despite his connections in the White House, Rodham doesn't mind being seen as a sort of "everyman" to enhance his appeal as a political outsider. He drives a burgundy 1974 Cadillac with an eight-track tape player.

The Republicans are giddy at the opportunity for a shot at running against an underdog presidential relative and want to turn the race into a vote on Clinton. Rodham laughs at this attention he's getting.

"I think it's interesting that an assistant public defender from Dade County can threaten the Republican structure all the way up to the Republican National Committee," said Rodham, whose brother, Tony, works for the Democratic National Committee.

A recent poll showed Mack winning 56 percent against Rodham, who pulled 16 percent.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB