The parade of political luminaries to campaign on behalf of local candidates will continue next week with a former United States President leading the way. Former President Bill Clinton will be the guest speaker at a fund raising reception for Democratic Congressional Candidate Michael Arcuri. The reception will be held at the Manhattan home of a New York City businessman with whom Arcuri, the current Oneida County District Attorney, attended law school. Political analysts say the fact that both national parties are still pouring money, time and effort into this race says a lot about it.

"Neither party has pulled out of this race yet; they're still pouring money and resources into this race and that tells us that they think that race is close and competitive," says SUNY I.T. Professor Dr. Steve Schneider.

Supporters of Arcuri's Republican opponent, current State Senator Ray Meier, already rolled out the red carpet twice this year; once for Vice President Dick Cheney and once for First Lady Laura Bush, both of whom recently visited central New York to campaign for Meier. While former President Bill Clinton won't be visiting central New York to campaign for Arcuri, Dr. Schneider says it's still a boost.

"I think it's more of a boost if he comes to the Utica area than if he works with him in New York City, but I think working with him in New York City is more of a boost than if he doesn't do that," says Dr. Schneider.

Arcuri campaign officials don't yet know the per-person price for next week's fundraiser featuring former President Bill Clinton, but they say they're expecting a large turnout--both local Arcuri supporters and possibly downstate guests as well. Hillary Clinton is not expected to be in attendance.