Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) currently leads Illinois senator Barack Obama in the Democratic race and many feel it is because of her husband, former President Bill Clinton. However, Hillary leads Obama and maintains her popularity among voters because of policies that stress a change from the current administration and her history – through Bill – of peace and economic prosperity.

Her views of the war in Iraq have changed since President Bush invaded in 2003. But Sen. Clinton said she would have voted differently then if she knew what we do now about the motives of the war. If elected, Hillary would support de-authorizing the war.

Hillary wants to reduce electricity usage by 20 percent by 2020 and proposes to have oil companies fund alternative energies. Her many other proposals include goal dates of 2025 or later, which suggests she wants to lay the groundwork of the U.S. becoming more environmentally friendly. For example, Hillary wants to make vehicle fuel efficiency standards increase to 55 miles per gallon by 2030.

Her health care stances rely on including health insurance for everyone. Whether through choosing from a private plan or through the government, Hillary believes no one should go without coverage. Her plan would eliminate the Bush tax cuts to individuals earning more than $250,000 and give that money to cover health care cost. She also would ban insurance companies from charging higher premiums to people with previous conditions.

Her economic stance relies on Bill somewhat, suggesting she believes she could turn around the current economic recession because the former president did.

Hillary opposed Bush’s tax cuts in 2001 and 2003 and measure to extend them through 2010.