ROVE MUST BE BEHIND IT:

Roemer lashes out in DNC chairman race: Memo criticizes candidate's opposition to abortion rights (CNN, January 16, 2005)

The campaign for Democratic chairman turned contentious over the weekend when Tim Roemer lashed out at criticism of his views on abortion and accused opponents of negative campaigning.

The candidate told a gathering in St. Louis that he wanted to have "a conversation" on issues but that he is "having trouble doing this because of negative campaigning and litmus tests."

His voice rising, Roemer added, "I like a good fight. But don't put my arms behind me. Give me a chance to talk about my values. And don't litmus-test me."

Roemer's comments came at the opening of a candidates' forum at the Democratic National Committee Midwest Caucus on Saturday, a week after the former Indiana congressman formally entered the race.

Roemer aides said he was angry over an opposition research memo being circulated in Washington and Democratic circles that outlined his voting record, which sometimes did not follow party lines. Aides said they did not know who wrote the memo and whether it came from a rival for the party's chairmanship.

Well, we all know that the GOP is always responsible for the negative tone of campaigns and it is the kind of dirty trick they specialize in, publicizing someone's voting record....

Posted by Orrin Judd at January 17, 2005 8:20 PM