Earlier this week, it was her husband. Now her mom and the nation's next presidential team are pitching in to help the next secretary of State retire her 2008 campaign debt.

Today, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. sent out an e-mail solicitation to supporters - signed by Biden - aimed at reducing, if not retiring, the $20.7 million debt Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton racked up during her presidential bid.

The Obama-Biden appeal followed shortly after another electronic appeal signed by Dorothy Rodham, Clinton's mother, who offered potential donors a children's book just in time for Christmas in return for a $50 contribution. The book, "Dreams Taking Flight" by Kathleen Krull, details Clinton's life and her historic bid for the presidency.

Clinton was tapped Dec. 1 as Obama's choice for secretary of State. As a senator, she can continue to raise money. But once she becomes a member of the Cabinet it would be a conflict of interest, and a violation of federal law, for her to directly participate in fundraising activities. Hence, the help from family and friends - and her new boss.

Former President Bill Clinton was the first this week to ask for contributions in his wife's behalf. He used her nomination by Obama as the basis for an e-mail appeal asking supporters of her presidential bid to pony up once again.

Clinton will also appear with his wife in New York Dec. 15 for an event called "Hillary Live: A Conversation with Sen. Hillary Clinton." General admission tickets run 50 bucks.