Clark ad stresses war experience

Retired Army General Wesley K. Clark will start airing the first television ad of his campaign today in New Hampshire. The 60-second biographical spot focuses on Clark's military record, and features a series of still shots of soldiers in Vietnam and Clark in military fatigues. A voice-over reads, "He speaks four languages, but his actions speak more eloquently than words." The Clark campaign is spending about $200,000 to air the ads on Manchester's WMUR-TV and some cable networks. (Globe Staff)

Dean increases lead in N.H. poll

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Howard Dean extended his double-digit lead over rival John F. Kerry among likely voters in New Hampshire's primary, according to a poll that showed Wesley K. Clark losing ground. Dean was favored by 39 percent of Democrats and Independents planning to vote in the Jan. 27 primary and Kerry had the backing of 23 percent in the poll by Marist College's Institute for Public Opinion. The survey was conducted Nov. 11-13. In a September poll, Dean led Kerry, 35 percent to 22 percent, with Clark at 11 percent. In the latest poll, Clark's support had dropped to 4 percent. (AP)

Iowa

Dean ad targets Gephardt on Iraq

DES MOINES -- Howard Dean takes Richard A. Gephardt to task for backing President Bush on the war against Iraq, in the most targeted television ad by a presidential candidate to date. The spot is the first of the campaign to criticize an opponent by name on a hot-button issue. (AP)