Edwards and Clark concentrateon Virginia and Tennessee

[bigtree]

Rivals try to slow Kerry
2004-02-10
From Staff and Wire Reports
http://www.thedailytimes.com/sited/story/html/155788

As Edwards and Clark concentrated on Virginia and Tennessee, both of which hold primaries today, Kerry ignored his rivals and criticized Bush stewardship of the economy.

Kerry accused Bush of having the worst jobs record of the past 11 presidents. Bush defended his economic priorities, especially his tax cuts, in a campaign-style speech in Missouri, expected to be a key battleground in November.

The Democrats running for president say they would repeal all or portions of Bush's tax cuts. Stephanie Cutter, a spokeswoman for Kerry, said he would make permanent tax cuts for the middle class, including the child tax credit and the repeal of the marriage penalty.

Kerry ahead here, Va. Edwards and Clark hoped strong showings in Tennessee and Virginia would eliminate the other and turn the race into a two-man contest with Kerry, but polls showed Kerry well ahead in both states.