First lady, Gore urge Miller to run for Senate

Now, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vice President Al Gore are asking Miller to consider the 2000 race.

Miller, who just ended a record 10 years as a well-liked governor, got a telephone call Friday from Mrs. Clinton.

"I joked that it would be nice to be in the same Senate freshman class," Miller said. "She laughed but didn't indicate any intention herself to run. She said it's a big decision to make herself."

Miller has emerged as his party's leading contender for the seat after Democratic Sen. Richard Bryan's surprising announcement Wednesday that he would not seek a third term in 2000.

Miller, 51, who now works for a prominent Nevada law firm, said he's giving a Senate candidacy "serious consideration."

He said Republican John Ensign's entry into the race on Friday would not be a factor in his decision. Ensign lost a 1998 race to Reid by 428 votes.

"I'm not surprised (he's running). He's qualified and there will be other candidates who will be well qualified, too," said Miller, who was in Washington, D.C. on Friday on unrelated business.

"You get out and talk about ideas. I'm proud of my record. Based on that, people will find you the best candidate or not."

Gore called Miller on Thursday night from Air Force Two while returning from South Africa.

"He said he hoped I'd run and that I'd do a good job as a senator," Miller said. "I told him my top priority is to see him elected president."

Miller also got a call from Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., whose party needs a net gain of six Democrats in the 2000 elections to capture control of the Senate.

"He asked me to stop by his office, which I'll probably do. It's flattering," Miller said.

archive