[Miles O'brien, Cnn Anchor:] In about two hours, Rick Lazio and Hillary Rodham Clinton will square off in their second debate in the New York Senate race. As CNN's Frank Buckley reports, one issue is sure to take center stage, the ban on soft money.
[Unidentified Emcee:] Our next senator, Rick Lazio.
[Frank Buckley, Cnn Correspondent:] Rick Lazio campaigned close to home on Long Island. U.S. Senator John McCain, a leading proponent of campaign finance reform, at his side as Lazio's opponent, First Lady Hillary Clinton, criticized Lazio for allegedly breaking the agreement that banned soft money and spending by anyone but the campaigns themselves.
[Hillary Rodham Clinton , New York Senate Candidate:] But clearly what he's done and what the Republicans coordinated with him to do was cynical and really inexplicable.
[Buckley:] Mrs. Clinton referring to this Lazio commercial, paid for in part by the Republican National Committee. But Lazio argues both sides agreed national party money was permitted under the agreement. Still, he says his campaign will make a refund to the Republican National Committee in the interests of maintaining the ban.
[Rep. Rick Lazio , Senate Candidate:] Assuring that if they're willing to do the same thing that we, we run our ads only with the hard dollars from our committee without the coordinated dollars.
[Buckley:] The issue is sure to be among the topics in the second debate between the two candidates.
[Rodham Clinton:] We'll shake on this, Rick.
[Lazio:] No, I want your signature.
[Buckley:] Lazio dramatically sought a soft money ban in their first debate, the candidate criticized by some for coming on too strong. When asked this week if he would be as aggressive in the second debate, Lazio joked...
[Lazio:] Does this face look like an aggressive or confrontational face?
[Buckley:] Aides say Lazio will be focused on his legislative record and his stand on issues, Mrs. Clinton saying she hopes the second debate will feel more like the vice presidential debate this past week.
[Rodham Clinton:] Where you actually talk about the issues and explain your differences.
[Buckley:] For the lesser known Lazio, it's a second chance to make a first impression, the four term Long Island Congressman facing off against a two term First Lady, one month before election day. Frank Buckley, CNN, New York.
[O'brien:] And now a programming note. CNN will carry today's WCBS sponsored New York State debate. Our live coverage begins at 10:30 A.M. Eastern, 7:30 A.M. Pacific. And just a reminder, you can get the latest political news any time by logging onto cnn.comelection2000.