Washington lobbyists gear up for presidential run by Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON, March 6 (UPI) -- Lobbyists already have begun preparing for a 2016 White House run by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with several saying they would support her.

"I would definitely support her in 2016. If she runs, I will support her. No doubt," David Jones, a partner at Capitol Counsel, a member of the finance committee for Clinton's 2008 campaign, told the Hill in an article published Thursday. "I never even considered anyone else."

Clinton hasn't revealed her plans for 2016. Despite her silence, national polls indicate she has an overwhelming lead over other unannounced Democratic hopefuls and over any potential matches against potential Republican presidential nominees.

Many of the lobbyists who helped Clinton with her last run for the White House in 2008 told the Hill they were eager to jump back on her bandwagon.

"To me, it's not even a close call," said Steve Elmendorf, president of Elmendorf Ryan. "Among Democrats, there's no one else as well-positioned to win as her."

A number of lobbyists and consultants also have taken formal positions with the so-called shadow campaign being waged in Clinton's name, the Hill said. In January, Priorities USA Action announced Jonathan Mantz of BGR Group would become a senior adviser for the super-PAC created for President Obama's re-election campaign and being retooled in anticipation of a Clinton bid.