WASHINGTON, Oct 31 (AFP) - As Senator John Kerry battles down to the wire to unseat President George W. Bush, he's leaning on a campaign heavily stacked with heavyweights from the administration of Bill Clinton.
Here are brief profiles of the major players:
Mary Beth Cahill, 50, campaign manager
Chief of staff to Senator Ted Kennedy before taking over the then-floundering Kerry nomination campaign in November. Previously managed several Senate, congressional, gubernatorial and other political campaigns around the country. Was assistant to Clinton and director of the Office of Public Liaison. Mentioned as possible White House chief of staff if Kerry wins.
Bob Shrum, 60, political adviser
Principal speechwriter for George McGovern in the 1972 Democratic presidential campaign and press secretary to Kennedy from 1980 to 1984. A widely published writer, Shrum has been a top political media guru since 1985, winning a flock of races from the US Senate to mayor of several big cities. He was a senior adviser to the presidential campaign of Democrat Al Gore in 2000.
John Sasso, 56, political adviser
A friend of Kerry and adviser for 22 years, he was brought into the campaign when it went into the doldrums in early September and provides daily counsel on the plane. Former campaign manager for unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis in 1988. Reportedly interested in becoming White House chief of staff.
Jim Johnson, 60, adviser
A long-time Kerry friend who headed the team that vetted vice presidential candidates. Aide to former vice president Walter Mondale and former chairman and chief executive officer of the Fannie Mae mortgage wholesaler, plagued by an accounting scandal. Currently vice chairman of the Perseus merchant banking and private equity firm. Reportedly would head Kerry's transition team.
Joe Lockhart, 45, senior adviser
Clinton's former press secretary, brought into the sagging Kerry campaign in early September. Credited with helping the Democrat sharpen his message and climb back into the race. Was press secretary for Clinton's 1996 re-election campaign and earlier held senior posts at ABC Network News, CNN and SKY Television News of London.
Rand Beers, 61, national security issues coordinator
More than three decades as a civil servant, most of it in the State Department's Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs. Served as assistant secretary of state for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs under Clinton and held National Security Council positions during four administrations. A senior anti-terrorism aide under Bush before retiring and joining the Kerry campaign in May.
Senator Joseph Biden, 61, foreign policy adviser
More than 30 years in the Senate and the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Considered one of the party's leading voices on national security issues. Said to be extremely close to Kerry and reportedly talks to him about three times a week. Touted as possible secretary of state.
Richard Holbrooke, 63, foreign policy adviser
A high-profile career diplomat whose posts have included assistant secretary of state for European and Canadian affairs, and for East Asian and Pacific affairs. Brokered a peace agreement to end the Bosnia war in 1995 and later served as Clinton's ambassador to the United Nations. Also eyeing secretary of state.
Susan Rice, 39, foreign policy adviser
Assistant secretary of state for African affairs under Clinton. Secial assistant to the president and senior director for African affairs at the National Security Council and director for international organizations and peacekeeping at the NSC. Came to the campaign from the Brookings Institution, where she was a senior fellow.
James Rubin, 44, foreign policy adviser
State Department spokesman in the Clinton administration. Previously served as aide to Madeleine Albright while she was secretary of state and ambassador to the United Nations. Director of foreign policy and spokesman for Clinton's re-election campaign in 1996.
Robert Rubin, 66, economic adviser
Treasury secretary from 1995 to 1999 and director of the National Economic Council from 1993-1995. Spent 26 years at Goldman Sachs is now chairman of the executive committee at Citigroup. Mentioned as possible successor to Alan Greenspan as chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Roger Altman, 59, economic adviser
Long-time friend of Clinton and deputy treasury secretary from 1993 to 1994. One of the "deficit hawks" opposed to federal budget deficits. Resigned amid accusations he withheld information from Congress on Clinton's Whitewater real estate dealings. Currently chairman of the investment banking and private equity boutique Evercore Partners. Mentioned as possible treasury secretary.
10/31/2004 02:54 GMT - AFP