Bradley Fires Broadsides Over Several Gore Political Stances

NEW YORK — Democratic presidential candidate Bill Bradley lashed out at opponent Al Gore on several fronts Tuesday, criticizing the party front-runner’s proposals on the environment, campaign finance reform and gays in the military.

Bradley--who has been put on the defensive in recent weeks by the Gore team--issued a statement in which he said Gore “stood by” while the Clinton administration promoted offshore drilling. Then he used a speech to students at Fordham University in New York to criticize Gore for not pressing for campaign finance reform during his seven years in office, saying the vice president is “wedded” to Washington’s aversion to change.

Later, in another press release, he derided Gore’s effort to distance himself from the administration’s policy on gays in the military, saying this is a “politically convenient” posture that “reflects political rather than ethical considerations.”

Bradley’s attacks suggest a shift to a more aggressive strategy leading up to an important Democratic debate in New Hampshire on Friday. Bradley spokeswoman Kristen Ludecke said his remarks were merely an effort to “point out contradictions.” Analysts said the attacks are good political strategy in advance of the New Hampshire primary, Feb. 1.

Gore’s spokesman, Chris Lahane, dismissed Bradley’s criticism. He said Gore has already called for the banning of offshore oil drilling on current and future leases and his commitment to the issue goes beyond the current administration’s.