To pay wife’s campaign debts, Bill Clinton offers donors a prize: himself

Former President Bill Clinton is offering up a chance to spend the day with him in New York City if supporters contribute to his wife's 2008 presidential campaign, which is struggling to pay off lingering debts.

"There is nothing I enjoy more than good conversation with good people. Every day, my life and work are enriched by the people I meet, and that's why I am sending you this special invitation," the former president writes in a mass email sent to Hillary Clinton's campaign list.

According to the email, donors who contribute $5 or more will be entered to win a trip to spend the day with the former president. "Hillary's campaign is so close to paying off the last of her debt, but she's not there yet," Bill Clinton writes. "Will you consider helping her in this last phase?"

This is the third time Bill Clinton has used his star power in an effort to erase his wife's campaign debts. Last year, the campaign offered up several prizes, including a weekend with the former president in New York or a trip to see the Fox reality show "American Idol," in exchange for contributions. In May, the former president gave donors another chance to spend the day with him in New York.

According to a report filed with the Federal Election Commission, Hillary Clinton's campaign committee took in just under $222,000 during her husband's most recent fundraising effort. As of Sept. 30, the most recent FEC filing, her campaign still owed just over $479,000 in outstanding bills.

"I hope that I get a chance to meet you," Bill Clinton writes in the latest campaign email. "We wouldn't be where we are today without friends like you."

(Photo of Bill and Hillary Clinton in Times Square: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)