POLITICS IN BRIEF
New Bush ad hits Kerry on taxesPresident Bush's campaign criticizes John Kerry's record on taxes -- and questions the Democrat's character -- in a new campaign ad that says "there's what Kerry says and then there's what Kerry does."
The ad shows Kerry at his nominating convention last month saying, "We won't raise taxes on the middle class." "Really?" the ad says. It then claims that Kerry has logged 98 votes for tax increases. Kerry's campaign responded that Bush's attack "should come as no surprise." "After all," the campaign said in a memo, "that's what presidents do when they have no credibility." (AP) LOUISIANA Lawmaker's switch to GOP is criticized PLAQUEMINE -- A judge called Representative Rodney Alexander's last-minute switch to the Republican Party an attempt to subvert the election process and ordered that the sign-up period be reopened for new candidates for Congress. Alexander infuriated Democrats this month when he switched to the GOP just minutes before the deadline for getting on the ballot. The move made it virtually impossible for the Democrats to field a promising candidate. District Judge Allen Edwards, a Democrat, did not throw Alexander off the ballot, as the Democrats had asked. (AP) MICHIGAN Gay marriage fails to make fall ballot LANSING -- A proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Michigan yesterday failed to win certi.cation that would put the issue before voters in November. The Board of State Canvassers deadlocked along party lines on whether to certify more than 464,000 signatures in favor of the amendment. Supporters needed only 317,757 valid signatures. Two Democrats on the board voted against certification, while two Republicans voted for it. Gay marriage is already banned in Michigan law; opponents want language in the constitution to protect against judicial decisions or legislative initiatives. (AP) NEW YORK Central Park rally won't be allowed NEW YORK -- A federal judge refused yesterday to allow a large rally on Central Park's Great Lawn during the Republican National Convention, but urged protesters and the city to work toward a compromise. The court "cannot blind itself to the daunting security concerns facing this city during the Republican National Convention," said US District Judge William H. Pauley III. Pauley also agreed that the Saturday rally by at least 75,000 people -- and another for 250,000 people on Sunday by United for Peace and Justice -- could ruin the Great Lawn. (AP) Police, fire unions seeking Bush's help
NEW YORK -- Days before the Republican National Convention, the city's police and fire unions are asking President Bush to intercede with Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg to help them win raises in their contract dispute. At news conference yesterday, the unions said they sent a letter to the president on Aug. 17 seeking his "help and support." (AP) © Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.
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