Schwarzkopf: Fraudulent DNC calls must end

TAMPA, Hawaii, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Retired U.S. Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Monday demanded the Democratic National Committee stop telling voters he endorsed John Kerry for president.

"The Democratic National Committee is making fraudulent phone calls claiming that I have endorsed Sen. Kerry," Schwarzkopf said. "Nothing could be further from the truth, and I demand that they stop immediately."

An audio copy of the call, given to UPI with a copy of a statement from Schwarzkopf, says it was "paid for by the Democratic National Committee."

Schwarzkopf's statement cites the Democratic presidential nominee's opposition to the Reagan defense build up, to the removal of Saddam Hussein from Kuwait and his support for billions in intelligence cuts following the first bombing of the World Trade Center as reasons for his opposition to Kerry.

"Sen. Kerry has a record of weakness that gives me no confidence in his ability to fight and win the War on Terror. His attempt to make up for these deficiencies by falsifying my endorsement only confirms my impression that he is not the man we need to lead our nation," Schwarzkopf said. "I am supporting President Bush for re-election, because he is the candidate who has demonstrated the conviction needed to defeat terrorism."