Kerry rallies support on Republican turf [View All]

<Bill Clinton lost Virginia in 1996 to Republican Bob Dole, but only by 2 percentage points. Dole had to rally the state with heavy advertising and a late appearance in Hampton Roads, while Clinton spent virtually nothing and wrote the state off as unwinnable.

"George Bush wants to say to people, 'Isn't it terrific, aren't things rosy?'" Kerry told a hand-picked audience Friday. "But right now, our economy is not working for the average American."

Kerry called for an increase in the minimum wage to $7 an hour, up from $5.15, in what would be the first increase in federally mandated minimum wage rates since 1997.

But many of the supporters gathered Friday appeared more interested in his plan for health insurance and the cost of prescription drugs.

"It's a disgrace to let people go without health care," said Sally Davis, a retired school personnel administrator from Prince William County, sporting a big Kerry button on her T-shirt.

Asked if Kerry can win Virginia, Davis said, "I think he can. He's right on the mark with things people care about."

Kerry, who has been criticized for appearing aloof or elitist, wandered the small room with a microphone as he fielded friendly questions from supporters.

When he encountered a woman who lacked health insurance, he quipped: "You're living with the Bush plan, which is 'Pray you don't get sick.' " The line elicited a solid round of laughter and applause.>

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