Sen. Kerry to Make 2004 Presidential Bid

Sen. John Kerry, D-MA, speaks on NBC's 'Meet the Press' during a taping at the NBC studios in Washington, DC., Dec. 1, 2002. Sen. Kerry, a Vietnam veteran and former prosecutor, said he will take his first step on running for president in 2004 by forming an exploratory committee this week. (Photo by Alex Wong/Meet the Press/NBC)

Massachusetts Democrat John Kerry, a leading Senate liberal and decorated gunboat officer during the Vietnam War, said Sunday he is taking a first step toward running for president in 2004: He took aim at President Bush's policies on taxes, education, Iraq and the Middle East, saying, "There is a better choice for this nation." Bush, asked Sunday night about the prospect of running against Kerry, smiled at reporters but said nothing.

Senators: Kenyan Attack Tied to al-Qaida
Senate Intelligence Committee leaders on Sunday suggested that those behind the attacks against Israeli targets in Kenya have links to the al-Qaida network.

Kissinger Promises Thorough 9/11 Probe
Henry Kissinger, chairman of the commission to investigate the Sept. 11 attacks, said Sunday he will have no qualms recommending an examination of possible involvement by foreign countries if facts point that way.

Hawaii Dem. Case Wins Special Election
Democrat Ed Case, who lost in his party's primary for governor, won the free-for-all election to fill the remaining five weeks of the term of the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink, election officials said Sunday.

Pa. Congressmen Keep Corner, Clout
They crowd around Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., hang on his every word, ask for his advice. In the far back right corner of the House, Democrats and Republicans lean over the backs of chairs to get his attention. Delegation members never, ever sit in the seat from where their doyen, Murtha, holds court.