Pirro Eyes Clinton's Senate Seat

A high-profile prosecutor from New York City's suburbs said Monday she is seeking the Republican Party's nomination to challenge former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's bid for re-election to the Senate next year.

"I am running against Hillary Clinton because New York state deserves a senator who will give her all to the people of New York for a full term, who will not miss votes to campaign in (presidential) primaries," Jeanine Pirro said in a statement.

Clinton hasn't announced any plans to run in the next presidential election in 2008, but there is speculation that she might.

Pirro, 53, announced in May that she would not seek a fourth term as district attorney of Westchester County, but would run for a statewide office in 2006.

Pirro has won praise for her Internet stings of would-be child molesters, her work with battered women and her battle against underage drinking. She had often been seen on national television as a commentator on high-profile crimes.

Some top Republicans, including state party chairman Stephen Minarik, had been pressing for Pirro to run against Clinton on the theory that even if she lost the race, the district attorney could bloody the former first lady as she prepares for a possible run for president in 2008.