Strategist attempting to pay Clinton debt

WASHINGTON, April 10 (UPI) -- Democratic strategist James Carville says he has created a "fun" way to pay off the debt of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Carville said with Clinton unable to tackle her debt from her unsuccessful presidential bid due to her position in U.S. President Barack Obama's Cabinet, he is offering those making financial donations a chance at unique prizes, The Washington Times said Friday.

"I knew it was going to take an extraordinary effort to help pay off Hillary Clinton's campaign debt. But now, I think we can do it and have some fun at the same time," Carville said in a mass e-mail message Thursday.

Clinton was $5.9 million in debt as of Dec. 31.

Carville said for a minimum donation of $5, an individual will have a chance to win two tickets to the "American Idol" finale or spend a day with former U.S. President Bill Clinton in New York.

Carville is also offering as a prize a Washington weekend with him and political consultant Paul Begala that will include tours of the city's main sites and political discussions, the Times said.