Bush-Kerry Battle Begins; Democrat Seeks Running Mate As Edwards Ends Challenge FINAL Edition

• Published in: The Washington post
• Main Author: John F. Harris and Manuel Roig-Franzia
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, D.C WP Company LLC d/b/a The Washington Post 04.03.2004
• Subjects: Bush, George W; Edwards, John; Kerry, John F; Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Primaries & caucuses; United States; RALEIGH, N.C., March 3; US
• ISSN: 0190-8286

The vice presidential sweepstakes are certain to focus heavily on [John Edwards], who exit polls repeatedly showed was seen by Democrats as an appealing and spirited campaigner, even though he won only one state. Edwards aides said nothing publicly about this prospect, but privately they acknowledged that Edwards is eager to do whatever he is asked in the fight against [Bush-Kerry]. Some in the crowd here waved homemade "Kerry-Edwards" placards. Kerry shed his blue blazer and perched on a stool between two Senate colleagues -- Bob Graham and Bill Nelson, both Democrats from Florida -- who, like Edwards, are considered possible candidates to join him on the ticket. Kerry clasped Graham's shoulder and whispered in his ear as Sam Cabral, president of the International Union of Police Associations, which represents more than 100,000 law enforcement officers, announced the group's endorsement of Kerry. Graham, who ended his presidential bid in October and will retire from the Senate this year, followed with his endorsement, giving the Massachusetts senator the support of one of the most popular politicians in a key state still smarting from the 2000 election chaos. The town hall gathering in Orlando was billed as a discussion on national security, but Kerry broadened the meeting's theme, blaming Bush for the rising budget deficit, the millions of Americans without health insurance and the massive cost of rebuilding Iraq. "We should not be opening firehouses in Baghdad and shutting them in the U.S.," Kerry said to cheers from dozens of firefighters in the audience who had donned bright yellow "Firefighters for Kerry" T- shirts. Kerry, a decorated veteran, emphasized his military record - - hugging the engineman on his boat during the Vietnam War, and telling the audience that the craft was Number 44 and that he is running to be the 44th president.