Clinton memoirs could upstage Kerry

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WASHINGTON, April 13 (UPI) -- Senior Democratic party members are concerned the upcoming release of former President Bill Clinton's memoirs could overshadow Sen. John Kerry's campaign.

The New York Times said many Democrats want the book published as far as possible before the election and before the Democratic National Convention in late July.

"It'll get a lot of air space and I think it's kind of imperative that happen in front of the convention," said John Podesta, a chief of staff in Clinton's White House. That way, he said, "Kerry's benefited by having a clear shot, clear air space, from the convention through November."

After working on the book for two years, Clinton promised the Democratic Party's chairman, Terry McAuliffe, that it will be released well before the convention's opening day, July 26, party officials said.

"I wouldn't bet on it coming out during the campaign," said Dick Morris, who worked as Clinton's chief campaign strategist. "He takes a long time to finish things and he's never happy, and he fills up the wastebasket."