There is nothing unusual about political dynasties. Every country has them. Japan has a growing list of second- and third-generation politicians. In the United States, the most prominent dynasty is the Kennedy clan, although the Bushes are providing tough competition; India has the Gandhi family. Usually, the torch passes from generation to generation; rarely have spouses competed for high political office at the same time. Never before has the wife of a country's highest elected official run for public office, but that is going to change following last week's announcement by Mrs. Hillary Clinton that she is going to run for the Senate next year in New York.
The race is sure to be a circus. The novelty and controversy of Mrs. Clinton's bid will be matched by the intensity -- and controversy -- that the expected Republican nominee, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, will bring to the campaign.
There is little doubt that Mrs. Clinton can handle the post. She is reputed to have a finer mind than her husband, with a grasp of detail and a drive that would serve her well in the Senate. Several large question marks hang over her candidacy, however.