Democrats set new fund-raising mark; Clinton:

(Washington-AP) -- Democrats have shattered the record for money raised in a single night.<br><br>And a defiant President Clinton declares, "It's not corruption."<br><br>Organizers say a gala tribute

Wednesday, May 24th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- Democrats have shattered the record for money raised in a single night.

And a defiant President Clinton declares, "It's not corruption."

Organizers say a gala tribute to the president at Washington's M-C-I Center raised 26 and a-half million dollars. The previous mark was 21 and a-half million -- set by Republicans just a
month ago.

A few hours after scoring a big victory with House approval of his China trade deal, an ebullient Clinton leaped onstage at the sports arena.

And he said donors should be proud of their accomplishment -- glad, not ashamed, that they're raising cash to fight for health care, education and gun control.

Party chairman Ed Rendell says Democrats are still committed to banning so-called "soft money" contributions. But he says next time Democrats have such an event, the top ticket will be 100 dollars.