Nader tells Democrats to stop scapegoating

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. presidential hopeful Ralph Nader insists he is not in the White House race to siphon votes from Democrats but to fight corporate influence.

The Hartford (Conn.) Courant reported Wednesday that Nader said he is running for the presidency for the third time to campaign against "corporate America" and politicians who are beholden to special interests.

"The two parties are so indentured to corporate power that they have turned corporations into our masters," he told the newspaper.

Critics often blame Nader for taking votes away from the Democratic Party nominee in 2000, Vice President Al Gore, helping Republican George W. Bush to be elected.

"Eight years ago, obviously he cost Al Gore the election, in my view, no question about it," Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., said. "We've paid an awful price the last eight years because of one man's ego."

Nader, 74, said he rejects the notion that he is also responsible for Democrats' losses.

"The Democrats have got to stop whining, stop scapegoating and look in the mirror and ask how they've continually lost instead of landsliding in election after election against the worst Republican Party in history," Nader said.