WASHINGTON, May 24 (UPI) -- Independent liberal Ralph Nader is urging Democratic presidential contender John Kerry to condemn a group that is criticizing Nader's White House bid.
The National Progress Fund is running ads telling Nader supporters voting for the consumer advocate would help President Bush, the Washington Times reported Monday.
"We would like to see a clear message from Kerry that he opposes this effort against Ralph Nader," said Nader campaign spokesman Kevin Zeese. "If we don't get it, we will feel that he deserves credit for it."
The fund is being headed by former aides from the failed presidential campaigns and offices of Wesley Clark, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and Rep. Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri.
On the fund's Web site, www.TheNaderFactor.com, the group says Nader's candidacy in 2000 actually hurt his liberal agenda by helping elect Bush, a scenario that could repeat this fall.
