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With New York emerging as a key battleground in next week's Super Tuesday presidential primaries, supporters of the top two Democratic contenders are stepping up Jewish outreach efforts here.
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Assemblyman Ryan Karben of Rockland County and G. Oliver Koppel, a former state attorney general currently serving on the City Council, extolled Edwards' record on the Middle East, citing his presence in Jerusalem during the Sbarro's pizzeria bombing in August 2001.
"That kind of personal experience with the challenges facing the Israeli people would strengthen his resolve to stand by
as they fight against terror," said Karben, who joined the Edwards campaign after Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman dropped out of the race last month.
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There were indications that both sides were concerned about possible gaffes that could dog their campaign, as in the case of fellow Democrat Howard Dean. The former Vermont governor's call for an "even-handed" U.S. policy in dealing with the Israel-Palestinian crisis led to months of criticism at the height of his campaign. Dean, the early frontrunner in the Democratic field, pulled out of the race two weeks ago after failing to win any primaries.
Kerry has come under similar attack from some pro-Israel activists because of his suggestion last year that former Secretary of State James Baker or former President Jimmy Carter might make good Middle East envoys.
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http://www.jewishtimes.com/News/3707.stm
The article raises concerns about Kerry. Carter and Baker would be far too moderate. Kerry must not repeat Dean's mistake of calling for an "even-handed" approach. Edward's record is scant. Sharpton and Kucinich are of no consequence.