WASHINGTON (AP) _ Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton was expected to be tapped to take a prominent position among the Senate Democratic leadership Tuesday.

Clinton all but confirmed Monday that she will become chairwoman of the Steering and Coordination Committee, which approves Democratic Senate committee assignments.

"I believe that there will be an announcement about that (Tuesday) and I am looking forward to working in a capacity that I hope will promote New York's agenda," Clinton said Monday.

Clinton is already a top Democratic fund-raiser and strategist, but the move will further elevate her national profile and expand her influence among party leaders.

Since her election two years ago, Clinton has focused on issues affecting her New York constituents and on developing relationships with Senate colleagues.

The current chairman, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, is expected to relinquish the post as he prepares to campaign for the presidency in 2004.

In keeping with her growing role as a national voice for Democrats, the former first lady delivered the party's response to President Bush's radio address late last month.

On Monday, Clinton challenged some aspects of Bush's proposed economy recovery package. more

-- Anonymous, January 06, 2003