Clinton says she would not back driver's license plan

After two weeks of contorted statements about Governor Eliot Spitzer's proposal to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, Senator Hillary Clinton of New York yesterday said she supported his decision to abandon the plan and would not back such a measure if elected president.

"As president, I will not support driver's licenses for undocumented people and will press for comprehensive immigration reform that deals with all of the issues around illegal immigration including border security and fixing our broken system," Clinton said in a statement.

Clinton's attempt at clarity on an issue brought swift retorts from her Democratic rivals, who contend that she has given different answers on this issue.

SCOTT HELMAN

Senator John McCain can boast another big-name endorsement - and hope some postseason magic rubs off on his campaign.

On his weekly appearance on WEEI sports radio yesterday, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling said he will support McCain in the 2008 presidential race. "I'm voting for the guy that I know is going to be the same person four years from now that he was when elected," Schilling said.

GLOBE STAFF

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - Rudy Giuliani dismissed questions yesterday about allegations made by his onetime police commissioner Bernard Kerik's former lover that her employers directed her to lie about the affair to avoid hurting Giuliani's presidential ambitions.

Giuliani laughed when asked about Judith Regan's $100 million lawsuit filed Tuesday against HarperCollins Publishers LLC.

Asked whether he was aware of Regan's relationship with Kerik, who was indicted last week on corruption, conspiracy, and tax evasion charges, Giuliani said, "I think that's a gossip column story."

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