During the 1996 presidential campaign, Time Magazine featured a cover story about the contenders for first lady, Elizabeth Dole and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Although the article offered flattering profiles of both women, some readers complained, writing, “These women are so qualified — why aren’t they running for office?”

Well, it’s almost three years later, and those readers’ wishes may be coming true.

Dole, who is speaking at Stephens Auditorium today, is expected to announce her bid for the 2000 campaign sometime soon, and there is intense speculation that Clinton may run for the New York senate seat that Daniel Patrick Moynihan is vacating.

Elizabeth Dole, former president of the American Red Cross, could be America’s first viable female presidential candidate.

Although little is known for certain about Dole’s political ideology, if she comes out as a moderate conservative, she could centralize her party and steal many Democrats eager for a woman in the highest office.

In fact, Dole is leading fellow potential candidate George W. Bush in some pre-campaign polls even though she has only speculated about running.

And on the other side of the aisle, Dole’s 1996 counterpart may have a good chance at the Senate.

Bill Clinton used to joke during his first presidential campaign that if someone voted for him, they’d get “Two for the Price of One.”

And although the role his wife played in the administration was initially heavily criticized (we all remember health care reform), Hillary has become not only the most influential first lady in recent time but one of the most powerful women of this century.

Although Hillary has had more than her share of bad press, thanks to Bill’s tryst with former White House intern Monica Lewinksy, the public is on her side.

Hillary’s record on women’s and children’s issues is near impeccable, and nobody in Washington, even her enemies, doubt her political savvy and intelligence.

She would make a formidable candidate for the Senate. But time is running out.

It’s obvious Hillary has a tight schedule. She needs to make her intentions clear soon because if the first lady doesn’t want to toss her hat into the ring, then someone else needs the time to prepare.

Both women have been exceptional public servants. So declare your candidacy, ladies, and let’s hear the ideas you have to offer.