Defeated Kerry calls on fellow Democrats to hold Bush accountable

WASHINGTON, Nov 19 (AFP) - Former US presidential candidate John Kerry, who lost to President George W. Bush in this month's US election, on Friday called on his Democratic Party colleagues to hold his Republican rival "accountable" in the next four years.
"Despite the words of cooperation and moderate sounding promises, this administration is planning a right wing assault on values and ideals we hold most deeply," the Massachusetts senator wrote in an e-mail titled.
Kerry, who returned to work in Congress this week after his defeat on November 2, said he will introduce legislation to provide health insurance to every American child.
"This is the beginning of a second-term effort to hold the Bush administration accountable and to stand up and fight for our principles and our values," he wrote.
"I am determined to make our collective energy and organization a force to be reckoned with in the weeks and months ahead.
"Let's roll up our sleeves and get back to work for our country."

11/19/2004 23:47 GMT - AFP