What's the Most Popular Donation Amount in NH for Hillary Clinton? $20.16

by Dan Tuohy

Hillary Clinton is the keynote speaker at a leadership conference April 23 in Boston, one of two New England appearances that have political observers talking again about her possible run for president in 2016.

The former Secretary of State and U.S. senator from New York headlines the Simmons Leadership Conference. The conference, the theme of which is "Jumping the Curve," an action plan for women leaders to "step away from the familiar and step up to the unknown in order to sustain success."

The speakers' program introduces Clinton as having "played a central role in restoring America's standing in the world." 

At a conference of women leaders, the spotlight naturally falls on Clinton possibly becoming the first woman president. A Gallup poll last month found the prospect of her being the first woman to hold the office her biggest selling point.

Political observers may call another campaign inevitable, but some of her most passionate supporters steer clear of that word. Terry Shumaker, the New Hampshire senior adviser for Ready for Hillary, says Clinton will fight for every vote – when or if she becomes a candidate.

"She's made it very clear that she has't made up her mind," Shumaker said in an phone interview with Patch. "The name kind of says it all: We'll be ready for Hillary when Hillary's ready to run."

Her supporters have, however. Some 2 million people have signed up for the Ready for Hillary PAC. It has supporters in every state. And the PAC is seeking low-dollar contributions. Shumaker says the common donation amount is $20.16.

Clinton maintains a base of support in New Hampshire, home to the first-in-the-nation primary, and where she won the Democratic primary in 2008.

And her new book, "Hard Choices," will be released June 10.

As Clinton visits Boston, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) started the week telling interviewers yet again that she is not going to run for president in 2016. Both parties are gearing up for a showdown in the 2014 mid-term elections, which could reshape the political landscape ahead of the next presidential contest.