In D.C. Speech, Clinton Courts Jewish Voters

WASHINGTON — On a day that saw little overt presidential campaigning, Senator Clinton was courting Jewish voters with a speech to leaders of the Reform movement that combined themes of her White House bid with a solemn acknowledgment of the shootings in Virginia.

In remarks to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism yesterday, Mrs. Clinton briefly recalled the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado — when she was first lady — and said she was "shocked and saddened" by the killing of 32 people Monday at Virginia Tech.

Her appearance yesterday was organized through her Senate office, not her campaign, and Mrs. Clinton walked a fine line between her roles as lawmaker and presidential contender. She delivered a toned-down sampling of her stump speech without directly referring to her candidacy.

She voiced support for universal health coverage, and she touted her legislation for a phased redeployment of troops from Iraq. "Let me be clear: If this president doesn't end this war and bring the troops home as soon as possible, I know the next president will, immediately," she said, drawing applause and cheers for a subtle rephrasing of a signature line from the campaign trail. At campaign events, she is more direct, often saying that if President Bush doesn't end the war, "as president, I will."

The Religious Action Center is the political arm of the Union of Reform Judaism, which represents 1.5 million Reform Jews and has endorsed a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

Noting that Mr. Bush has promised to veto a war funding bill that includes a timetable, Mrs. Clinton urged about 420 members in attendance yesterday to pressure Republican lawmakers who might have more sway with the White House.