WASHINGTON (CNN) - Hillary Clinton is almost debt-free from her failed bid for the presidency.
Exactly one year after announcing it was a staggering $25.2 million in debt, her campaign reported Wednesday carrying its smallest amount of unpaid campaign bills since the former New York senator and current U.S. Secretary of State first began her presidential bid in early 2007.
As of June 30, Clinton's campaign organization owed $1.5 million in unpaid bills and had $2.5 million in the bank, according to a new disclosure report filed with the Federal Election Commission. Previously, the smallest amount of debt the campaign had reported was $1.6 million in March 2007, roughly two months after Clinton launched her presidential bid. As the race for the Democratic nomination grew more competitive, the campaign's debt grew steadily and reached its peak on June 30, 2008, just three weeks after Clinton suspended her campaign.
At that point, Clinton's campaign owed $12 million to almost 500 individual creditors and an additional $13.2 million to the candidate herself, who used her own money to help keep her operation afloat. Campaign finance laws forced Clinton to forgive the amount she loaned her committee because she was not able to repay the funds by the required deadline.
Wednesday's filing showed that the campaign now owes $1.5 million to one remaining creditor, Penn, Schoen & Berland, the political consulting firm that advised Clinton during the campaign. The firm's president, Mark Penn, had also served as Clinton's senior campaign strategist. At the start of 2009, the firm had been owed $5.4 million.
Clinton's campaign repaid Penn's firm about $808,000 since the end of May, almost all of it on June 29, the day before the end of the most recent reporting period. The bulk of this amount, $725,000, had been for "mail expenses," while $68,000 was for "web site" expenses, and another $15,000 was for various advertisements.
The campaign raised $541,000 in contributions from April through June and generated an additional $403,000 from both bank interest and from the rental of its campaign mailing lists to other organizations. Those organizations include the national Democratic party's Senate campaign arm, which paid $41,000, and the campaigns of Democratic Sens. Barbara Boxer of California and Chris Dodd of Connecticut, both of whom are up for re-election in 2010.
Two non-profit groups headed by people close to the former senator also rented the list: the "NoLimits Foundation," a policy and issue education organization headed by long-time Clinton adviser Ann Lewis, and the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation, created by the former president. Lewis' organization paid the Clinton campaign $200,000, while the former president's foundation paid $75,000. So far this year, President Clinton's foundation has paid Hillary Clinton's campaign a total of $349,000 in list rental fees.
A federal law known as the "Hatch Act" prohibits Clinton, as the secretary of state, from personally soliciting or accepting political contributions. The law does allow others to raise funds on Clinton's behalf, without her direct involvement.
Since ending her campaign, Clinton has received fundraising help from an all-star line-up of notable Democrats, including President Barack Obama, the man who defeated her for the Democratic nomination, Vice President Joe Biden, and family members such as President Clinton, her daughter, Chelsea, and her mother, Dorothy Rodham.
–CNN's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
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She learned a good but hard lesson that she could have avoided.
She has $1.5 million in her bank account. This is precisely the reason I didn't want Terry McAuliffe becoming governor of Virginia because of how bad he handled this situation.
Hillary is a great American. I am glad she will not have to worry about paying her campaign bills anymore. We need her leadership to rebuild parterships with our allies around the world.
Good for her.
I'm a little surprised the government didn't bail her out. Seems to be the new MO of this administration, other than apologizing to everyone and giving away the future.
It is good she is able to reduce her debt now. With her talent she may prove to be a great 'national debt reducer' for the nation in the future. We could really use help there now with our run-away deficit and national debt whose numbers seem to know no end.
If it were up to me, Mark Penn wouldn't see another dime.
Nice that politicians seem OK with the idea that they can "Rent" out the lists of people who once believed in their cause. I guess that would also explain why I am getting a ton of unsolicited e-mail and regular mail.
Never again will I trust that information is held in confidence. I guess I am just naive to assume that it would only stay with the campaign. But for them to sell it seems like a travesty.
Very happy to hear that, she should have been our President.
The media shoved Obama down our throats.
Hmmm – if she has $2.5 million and owes $1.5 million, why not just go ahead and pay? The people she owes probably need the money more than she does.
I love how you place a picture that makes it look like Barry is counseling Hillary. Good job CNN.
The Clintons are filthy rich individuals. Why do they want other people to pay a debt for their own run at the White House? This is the same type of corruption the Democrats always accuse rich individual citizens of. Where is the outrage by the media or other democrats?
Good to hear, Madame Secretary.
I hope you choose to run again in 2016.
Wouldn't paying off Hillary's debt be a good use of the $700K in Sarah Palin's PAC fund? I thought Palin was going to support people 'on both sides of the aisle'....?
This is further demonstration of the depth of her support. Who else but a political superstar like Hillary Clinton could continue to collect such large amounts of $ without even being a candidate?
Good for her I am glad she is out of debt. Congradulation Mrs. Clinton.
As long as it's not my money. She stayed in the campaign a lot longer than she should have. So if she wanted to play, she had to pay, not me.
For good people, God shows all good stuff. She follows Pres. Obama, so she is going to be the "BEST". God bless!!!! Hillary, Please see that"Health Care" is fixed....It is a biggest mess in our nation....
If there was such a thing as an investigative reporter anymore, it would be fascinating to see where the money comes from. Horrible economy along with the fact that nobody can really care that much whether she has this debt (not like she's going to lose her house) and the money keeps rolling in.
where did clinton get all this money in one year to pay back 12 million?
Free girl. God bless u Hillary
Government under Obama is a very lucrative profession, they get to steal from the taxpayers all the time. The woman has never had an honest job in her life, kinda like her boss, that is why they are liberals.
How dare CNN even print a story like this! Do we really care if Hillary Clinton is out of the red? While people all over the country – yes, U.S. citizens, losing their homes, unemployed, living out of cars, cannot feed or send their children to school, do you think that we give a damn about Hillary Clinton! I don't see her dressing down nor do I see her selling her home worth millions of dollars! Give me a break!
You people have absolutely no compassion or brains when it comes to reporting what really is news!
Gee, can anyone tell me how I can raise ten million dollars in less than a year? How DOES she DO it????
Where DO our ELECTED officials get all of their millions from? Who would think that a PUBLIC SERVANT could make such exhorbitant salaries?!
I'd like to see the investigation into THEIR financial backgrounds along with their resume's!
And the government is $1.5 TRILLION more in debt thanks to the guy she lost too. That's one million times more.
By the way, that's $5,000 for each man, woman and child in the US. Imagine the stimulus we would have created had that money been sent directly to consumers. What would YOU have purchased had every member of your household received $5,000? And virtually every dollar spent would have resulted in sales taxes for the state and local governments.
What a waste.
Wow, the Momma pants wearing fraud in chief is doing a great job paying for her silence.
My hope is when he is done paying off her debt, that she starts acting like Hillary and schooling this fraud on how to act like a real uh, uh, uh president (capital leter not deserved).
I miss the real Hilary, you know her, the one the media turned on because she had the audacity to challenge this manchurian candidate who was selected, elected and now protected by the media.
How about his new science CZAR who is for for putting birth control in the WATER and for FORCED abortions on undesirables?
HIS OWN WORDS.
You sheep comfortable with that?
Glad to see she is almost done with her debt.
However, this story reminds me of the terrible practice of selling campaign mailing lists, which is a practice used by both Democrats and Republicans.
While I might be willing to get email from Hillary, I certainly do NOT want to get any email from Chris Dodd!!
Hillary where do I send my dollar? I would hate to see you have to come back here to NY again. Good luck do not call NY we will call you.
P.S. We are still waiting for those 5 million jobs you promised to us here in CNY to get elected Senator . Your pal, Gov. Spitzer referred to CNY as the northern Appalachia. And please say hi to Chuck for us tell him to help set up the bread lines here in Syracuse. If he can ever stop by and see the people here at home.
Hillary ran an ugly and hateful presidential campaign, but I am happy for her in her new position and for her debt reduction.
Cnn you guys are full of it. Why didnt you bother to post a ticker about Hillary's USAID town hall or Hillary policy speech yesterday(except to repeat some nonsense that it was an attempt to get back in the spotlight) Then you have the nerve to post this. Do some real reporting CNN. How about a ticker on her objectives in India on her foreign trip or the fact that she will be at the hotel that got bombed of course not that would be REAL reporting. POST CNN
I am happy to hear that Hillary is getting out from under her campaign debts.
Didn't I read someplace that Pres. Obama had given her funds from his war chest to help diminish her debt? If remember thinking that that was a very nice thing for him to do.
While the adage of "keeping your enemies close" may have some validity in regards to his decision to appoint Hillary to Secretary of State, I do believe that Barack has been astute in recognizing the wealth of experience and good judgment that she'd bring to the table.
Their relationship appears to be one of mutual respect, and a win-win situation for both.
I would be interested to know how Hillary Clinton "earned" over $10 million in one year to pay off most of her debt.
Hillary has the least power of any Sec. of State that we have ever seen....
She's been shunted aside by Obama and Joe Biden has taken over the role that should be hers.....
If Hillary has any self-respect left, she ought to tell Obama to "shove it" and resign.....
We wonder how it will be paid off. Of course it is probably, none of our business, but since she is a public official, it will be interesting to know the facts. Hurray for Hillary and we wish you all the very best.
Maybe all this money being transferred around will stimulate the economy? Oh well, at least she isn't paying her debts down by working as a Fox commentator like poor old Huck.
CNN, you don't report news that's newsworthy....you've become nothing but gossiping lil high school students at best! who cares about's someone's financial status...i sure like to see what's in all of YOUR closets!
wow... who really cares how rich our politicians are? Good lord, what business is this of mine anyways? Do you want me to give her a pat on the back and say "well done"? I wouldn't doubt if this is some sort of narcississict ploy to feel better about not being president. Good job Hillary
Who cares if Hillary Clinton is out of debt what about the rest of the American people that can't get out of debt. Looks like to me she could give some of that 2.5 million to the American people and help them out of debt.
Hilary Clinton, (Secretary of State) is getting the promise that the President would help her resolve her debts. And it is (good) to see her back ,for the battle with the problems we face around the world.She is such a great asset to the President , and am very proud she passed the torch to President Obama,with such (CLASS) was (Respected) by the President to get the offer to become (Secretary of State. This team is on the same (PAGE) no matter what the (Nay-Sayers ) say. Hilary Clinton will get the job done, and am glad her campain debt is being handle, so the (Republicans) have nothing to stir up any negative. Hilary Clinton it is a (PLUS) we as americans have you on our (SIDE), and a the (CLINTON) era continues...
We love you Hillary. Please run for President in 2012!
Wouldn't it be great if these same politicians could get America out of the red.
Perhaps we can spend our way out of debt.
Hmmm, me thinks our president slide a few dollars under the table to Hillary Clinton....and you know what, I'm fine with that....you go Hil!
The Obama curse strikes..
Who CARES! I LOVE this man. ......... ummmm they DO look alittle Mommyish though......................
Goodie for her. But, the rest of us will continue to stay in the red with that whole liberal administration.
Hillary can raise more dollars than Palin, and Hillary isn't even asking for money.
Red seams to be a common theam among Dems
How folksey – sitting at a picnic table, just like the peasants! What a great photo-op.
The most contrived president EVER!
Just crossed Hillary's campaign war chest funds off my "To Worry About" list. Easy sleeping tonight.
Where are the PUMAs?
They were supposed to be her most ardent supporters. I started out supporting her and she should have quit in about April or May and she would not have had this 12 million in debt.
But that said, even I made a contribution to help her retire her unnecessary debt>
So, surely all those cheerleading PUMAs that insisted she stay in the race even after the math showed it was impossible to wind, could surely pony up a contribution, since you urged out on the limb and have left her hanging there since.
Bless her heart! Able to pay back millions to those who now own her. Gee & I'm having a hard time paying off my hospital surgery debt.
Where are the PUMAs on this? There were 18 million of them. If all gave $1 it would have been taken care of.
Just this morning on MSNBC/Morning Joe a guest suggested that Hillary should have not taken the SOS post. Meaning, she could run in 2012. I mean come chicks! When she cried it was 'weak'. When Palin quit it was 'weak'. Some women seem to feel that because of their connections they get in high positions and should get special treatment. Companies and television think it looks diverse putting a woman, any woman, in positions. That way, they don't then put Hispanic, Black or any other ethnic race. Believing the White woman covers their diversity. NOT.
Hey CNN, Obama and the dems are now making the top tax rate 57% for those making over $250,000 (most small businesses).
Why aren't you reporting that?
Who cares?
The Indians and Chinese should pay her debts off.Her husband did more for their people and jobs than he did for us.
Well sure... the interest payments on her other millions in the bank is catching up to her debts.
Who Cares?
I wonder what foreign country has given massive donations to the crooked Clinton campaign group?
TIme for Hillary to go.
way to go hillary! ou betcha!!!
Good,
Now maybe President Obama will let her do her job instead of him trying to do it and not suceeding. The problem he has to much on his plate is because he won't let his staff do their job.
I'm supportive of President Obama but he needs to concentrate on the job loses and stop trying to wear everyone's shoes.
As a conservative, I was appalled by the way the media turned on the Clintons after their love for Obama sprang up; their trashing her hurt her campaign and, thus, her campaign fund-raising. Obama was cheap not to help pay her debt out of the Democratic fund chest which was still overflowing after the election, where he beat a man by only 7 points whose funds were half of Obama's.
It must have also been Bush's fault she payed the debt off , Right ?
it's so hard for me to feel anything good about this woman because of her nasty behavior during the primaries against Obama. I still think appointing her was a very bad decision.
Well, maybe it is time to ask how she managed to re-pay millions of $$.
I owe 30 000$ and will take me at least 5 more years to pay them off. How come normal and honest ppl. dont have any money.
There is something wrong!!
I am glad to have pitched in a hundred dollars towards that end. Along with buy her and Bill's books for several of my friends and family.
on a different note:
I wish they would start a space program to shuttle all the haters (on both sides) to the moon and leave them there (without internet access)
I am wondering why I am able to read a long article today in the German SPIEGEL on Hillary Clintons speech at the 'Council on Foreign Relations' yet the speech is not shown on CNN. As interesting as the Sotomayor hearing might be, I think Hillarys statements on the foreign politics issues should not been disregarded and given as least the same importance other countries are giving it. Any reason for not giving her exposure?
Glad to hear her debt is almost paid up. I am sure many Obama supporters helped to get her debts paid. I know I contributed a small amount, but every bit helps. She would have been a great President also, but the Repugs would have destroyed her because of Bill. The Repugs hate Bill been more than they hate Barack (if that's possible!!)
She is doing an excellent job as our Secretary of State. I am so glad she was able to help Obama out in such a special way and he seems to really appreciate her abilities and efforts in this area. I think she will be one of the best Secretaries of State we have ever had and will bet a lot accomplished. She is smart and diplomatic and very capable of handling difficult situations. She works well with others, to the surprise of many people I am sure. She is self-confident and does not feel at all diminished by the other "envoys" or diplomats that Obama is sending overseas. I am sure she can use all the help that she can get. The press just wants to make an issue of anything so they have something to "gossip" about. I wish her all the best and hope her elbow heals just fine.
She owes 1.5 million; has 2.5 million in the bank.
My balance sheet would read: owes zero; has 1 million in the bank.
I will never understand the hatred of Hillary. But anyway, I'm glad she's coming out of her debt. She's an asset to her party and nation.
If she was President we would definitely have had some better decision this far.
Pat F, Reagan "chopping wood" and Bush "cutting brush" are contrived pictures. Would you feel better if she was dangling a beagle by the ears? Or standing in a flight suit under a banner saying MISSION ACCOMPLISHED? Just admit you don't like her, ok?
And southerncousin, stop sounding so inbred. You give the South a bad name, can you even define "liberal?" Try night school or something.
When she loaned her own campaign $13M was when she should have dropped out.
Gerald July 16th, 2009 11:23 am ET
It must have also been Bush's fault she payed the debt off , Right ?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No.
However, it was Bush's fault that his education cuts have resulted in unintelligible posts authored by, well, you.
Apparently then she won't have to pay for this farce of a healthcare program the Dems are trying to ram down our thoats.
It is unfortunate that in the US people who don't win something are considered to have "failed."
Hillary didn't fail, she is in a great place for the skills and talents she has. I am hoping history will prove this.
Meanwhile, the media is getting smaller and smaller.
She's just a low down dirt ball just like the "CHOSEN ONE' the Socialist.
TCM,
You are a liar. The story you told yesterday about a major of the U.S Army refusing to go to Afghanistan is a complete lie. The guy volonteers to go to war,and it's the only reason the Pentagon let him go. He got kicked out of his job as a contractor for the pentagon because his actions were politically motivated.
We are here for accurate information, if not would be watching fox liar news.
Look closely at the "stimulus" bill that no one read and you'll see money for Hillary, I am sure.
Come on Hillary and Obama supporters... PAY UP! Why should Hillary have to suffer any debts she created???
Isn't THIS the America you want? Where people can make horrible financial decisions and expect everyone else to bail them out??
Who gives a crap
She's back. Obama do right or she'll take you 2012, HOORAY!!!
Anybody who gives money to help a politician get out of debt is being conned. Everyone on this post made such a big deal of PAlin raising 700,000, while Hiliary has since paid off almost 25 mil, gee, a little bias there you think? Don't feel bad for politicians in debt, it's a lie. They're all super rich and will be for the rest of your life.
We have a great President now. The bottomline is it doesn't matter, both Obama and Hilary would make great Presidents! Definitely not John McCain, We would be more in debt and battling two or three more wars
Bleh. Democrats.
we i see the emney is using the press to may a point about thje new war fare. next time these libertys howl about water boarding ask the victem if we was scared. then ask the gi would may be beheaded if he was scared. good luck on bashingm bush you ass holes.
Bill was a great president, as hillary would have followed suit and actually got somthing meaningful done.
@Joe in Austin
-------
Yes, because Obama done such a great job with our budget. I remember comments like "if she can't balance her campaign budget, how could she run the country?".
1 trillion in debt...highest ever. I think the numbers speak for themselves. While I hope the President is successful I'm very concerned about the spending.
Our government is working for everyone but the people; they are in election mode 100% of the time, accepting money, gifts and favors from the lobbyists, Wall Street, banks, global Corporations, PACs, auto industry and unions. The last thing on their mind is “We the People”.
That's right, conservatives: fear fear fear. It's nice to have a president who is trying an approach that will pay off in the long term. But your minds are too small to see that. Your paranoia and squirming just make me laugh. Tell me the story about the post office and DMV again. Have a nice day!
Expat American July 16th, 2009 9:39 am ET
Good to hear, Madame Secretary.
I hope you choose to run again in 2016.
_____________________
Try 2012... against a sitting president.
How did she pay for it? It was put in as a earmark in the stimulus plan.
Calvin, warfare is one word. Have a nice day!
Obama will bail out ............ LOL