Former Transportation Secretary Campaigns For Kerry/Edwards In Arkansas

Former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater likened John Kerry and John Edwards to Bill Clinton banner today in promoting the Democratic presidential ticket to black leaders. Slater stopped at a popular soul-food restaurant in North Little Rock to kick off a long weekend of meetings with black leaders in support of the Democratic campaign. He planned stops Friday and Saturday throughout the eastern Arkansas Delta, the heart of Clinton`s support base during 12 years as Arkansas governor and in two runs for the presidency. Slater says black voters will make a difference in the general election, like they did in 1992. ------ Slater stressed Kerry`s embracing of Clinton-era economic policies and the Democratic nominee`s efforts to enlist the former president`s active support in this year`s campaign -- something Al Gore has been questioned for not doing in 2000. Slater is a Marianna native and is a former Arkansas highway commissioner who later served as federal highway administrator and transportation secretary during Clinton`s eight years in office.