Clinton has shown his continuing hold over Democratic politics by helping his wife raise millions of dollars in campaign funds and is presumed to be exerting a quiet, yet influential role as unofficial chief strategist. In the run-up to primary and caucus clashes which open in January, Clinton can also serve as a powerful surrogate for his wife. Political aides were said by The New York Times to be dreaming of the day when Clinton would hit the campaign trail with his own plane and press corps. Clinton, a back-slapping son of the South, will be an asset in states where the Chicago-bred former first lady's sometimes starchy demeanor may grate. But he will also have to be carefully used: early in his first term, it became clear the public did not necessarily buy the Clinton's two-for-one double act. And merely the words, Bill Clinton, in some parts of the United States still bring hard core Republicans out in a cold sweat, though memories of the Clinton scandals do appear to be fading. There is also the question of how a president Hillary Clinton would use Bill, who would become the first "First Husband" in US history. Both Clintons have said they believe US law precludes a president naming their spouse in the cabinet -- but candidate Clinton has said she would use Bill as roaming global ambassador.