SAN JOSE. Calif. Apr 3 With the support of high-technology executives ana moderate Democrats, President Clinton on Monday continued his push for normal trade relations with China, reports AP.

With this city's Technology Museum of Innovation serving as his backdrop. Clinton was to tout the benefits of trade with China to members of the moderate Democratic Leadership Council. Both the DLC and the high-tech community are strong supporters of granting permanent normal trade relations with China.

"We've done a number of events to highlight the broad support for this trade agreement with China. White House spokesman Jake Siewert said "Only In Washington Is this a tough call."

Some House Democrats and organised labor oppose the trade agreement. But the DLC and Clinton have used their support of free trade as evidence that they are different from the old liberal Democratic politicians of the past.

The pro-trade faction of the party is finding allies among the growing high-technology industry. High-tech companies have begun a major lobbying campaign in support of China trade.

High tech companies and the people who run them have become a major source of campaign giving. Upon arriving here from Las Vegas Sunday evening. Clinton went straight to a fund-raiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The event, expected to raise $11 million, was held

at the home of Jim Jorgensen, chief executive officer of AllAdvantage.com. a 1-year-old Internet company, and was cohosted by other high-tech Industry executives.

Around 150 people, who paid at least $5,000 each to attend the event. Joined Clinton and his daughter. Chelsea; House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt: California Gov Gray Davis; and several area congressional candidates for chicken skewers. grilled salmon and chocolate cupcakes.

"Don't let this election be about little things. And don't let this election be about divisive things," Clinton said. "We've got the chance of a llftlmc to build the future of our dreams."

Earlier In the day. Clinton raised $525,000 for the Demo-

cratic National Committee at two fund-raisers In Las Vegas.

In his talk to the party faithful. Clinton said voters must choose between the short-term gratification of an outsised Republican tax cut or the longterm satisfaction of knowing the money will keep safety-net programmes like Medicare and Social Security in the black for another generation of retiring Americans.

"This Is a moment for making tomorrows. This Is not a moment for Indulging ourselves in all this good stuff that's going on today." Clinton said. "Are we going to pick leaders that we know understand the future and can take us there, or are we going to pick people who say things we like to hear and may make things easier for a month or two?"