John Ashcroft To Visit Philadelphia

[Judi Lynn]

John Ashcroft To Visit Philadelphia

Will Address Audience At National Constitution Center

Aug 19, 2003 11:56 am US/Eastern
PHILADELPHIA (AP) Attorney General John Ashcroft will visit states key to President Bush's re-election chances to defend the government's use of the anti-terrorism USA Patriot Act, which is drawing increased criticism as a threat to civil liberties.

After an opening speech Tuesday at a conservative Washington think tank, Ashcroft will embark on a campaign-style road trip, delivering remarks Wednesday and Thursday to law enforcement audiences in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit and Des Moines, Iowa.

Among the dozen or so future stops are Salt Lake City and Boston, officials said Monday. The Justice Department is putting up an Internet site on Tuesday to reinforce the pro-Patriot Act message and all 94 U.S. attorneys are being encouraged to hold town hall-style meetings to stress the law's benefits in fighting terrorism. (snip)

(snip) White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the sales pitch is needed to combat what he called "a small minority that has spread misinformation about these provisions. It's important to talk about the successes we're achieving, to educate the American people and to set the record straight." (snip/...)

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