Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) formally announced her bid for the presidency in 2008 Saturday.

The Chappaqua resident broke the news on her Web site by saying she is forming a presidential exploratory committee. In her widely anticipated campaign for the White House, the former first lady who is intent on becoming the first female president said, ?I?m in and I?m in to win.? Clinton is considered the Democratic front-runner, with Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards top contenders.

With millions in the bank for a campaign, a network of supporters and top status in nearly every poll of Democratic contenders, Clinton is embarking on the most viable effort by a female candidate to capture the White House. Clinton has toughened her criticism of the conduct of the war and President Bush's handling of the conflict. She recently called for capping troop levels in Iraq at around 140,000. Clinton says she is interested in a dialogue with the American people about the issues that are most important to them.