Hillary Rodham Clinton to launch presidential bid on Sunday

By JULIE PACE and KEN THOMAS, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hillary Rodham Clinton will launch her long-awaited 2016 presidential campaign on Sunday, according to people familiar with her plans.

Clinton will first announce her campaign for the Democratic nomination with an online video posted on social media. She'll then make stops in key early voting states, including Iowa and New Hampshire, where she'll hold small events with voters.

The former secretary of state is making her second presidential bid and enters the race in a strong position to succeed her one-time rival, President Barack Obama.

Clinton appears unlikely to face a stiff primary opponent, though a handful of lower-profile Democrats have said they are considering their own campaigns.

If elected, the former first lady would be the nation's first female president.

People familiar with Clinton's plans spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss them publicly.

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