Democrats uneasy with Clintons' aggression

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- A growing number of U.S. Democrats are expressing concern over the aggressiveness in Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, it was reported Thursday.

With the New York senator's husband, former President Bill Clinton, taking a more active role in her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, recent attack ads frequently have focused on her chief rival, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., The Washington Post reported.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who endorsed Obama last week, criticized Bill Clinton for what he called his "glib cheap shots" at Obama.

"That's beneath the dignity of a former president," Leahy told reporters. "He is not helping anyone, and certainly not helping the Democratic Party."

Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who is not aligned with any of the contenders, said party unity was being threatened by the escalating attack ads.

"Our party has to remain united -- that's the most important thing for November," she said. "The bottom line is, all this could cause a rift, but I hope it doesn't."