Key Hillary Clinton ally says ’16 decision to come within 60 days

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), a longtime ally of the Clintons, says Hillary Clinton will decide on a presidential run within the next two months. 

{mosads}”She’s got to make that decision, and she’s got to spend the next 60 days making that decision,” McAuliffe told U.S. News & World Report during a gala Thursday night. “Obviously, I’m close friends with the Clintons; I chaired her last campaign. If you know Hillary, she’s going to make up her own mind. I tell you, I hope she runs.”

McAuliffe is a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee who made his name helping to lead President Clinton’s 1996 reelection campaign.

A 60-day timeline would put Clinton’s decision in January. Some have argued the former secretary of State should get in earlier, now that the midterm elections are over, but one Clinton ally rejected that idea this week.

“She’s not going to get in early. Period. End of sentence,” the Clinton associate told The Hill. “She’s not ready. She hasn’t fully decided that’s what she wants to do.”

McAuliffe said Clinton would have a lot going for her, should she seek the Oval Office. 

“It’s time for a woman president of the United States of America,” he said. “Put the woman issue aside for a minute — she’s tough; she is smart; she is very pro-business; she will get this economy going. She will help the middle class. So, I’m hoping she runs, but you know, it’s her decision.

“But I’m really hoping she runs, but I’m leaving that decision to her.”