DES MOINES, Iowa --Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry lashed out Sunday against a group that bashed him during his last run at the White House. Kerry, who made a weekend appearance in northwest Iowa, said | He is concerned that Swift Vote Veterans for Truth is again resorting to "the politics of fear and smear." |
The group, financed by Texas conservatives, ran commercials questioning his record of being a decorated Vietnam veteran -- the centerpiece of his presidential campaign in 2004. "We're not going to give them an ounce of daylight," said Kerry, who is considering another run at the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.
The senator said his response to the commercials was not strong enough. "We thought the fact that the truth was out there was enough," he said. "Clearly it wasn't."
Those same conservatives have formed another group this year -- Economic Freedom Fund -- and are attacking Democrats across the country. Part of the campaign includes $500,000 to bash Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, who is seeking re-election in the 3rd District in central Iowa. Boswell is being challenged by state Republican Senate President Jeff Lamberti of Ankeny in a race that has included significant cash from both parties.