January 19, 2005, 8:07 a.m.
Kerry: Join My Campaign
Nine weeks after his defeat, the Massachusetts senator is up and running.

Former Democratic candidate John Kerry has sent out what might be seen as the first political appeal of a possible 2008 presidential campaign.

In an e-mail addressed to supporters nationwide, Kerry asks that his campaign workers and volunteers reunite in a drive to force President Bush to fire Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. "I believe that together, the three million of us who worked together on the campaign can help the troops," Kerry writes. "We not only have a right to speak out against failed Bush policies: we have a duty to defend this country from a President who refuses to recognize the total inadequacy of his own Defense Secretary. That's how democracy works."

Kerry also introduced an anti-Rumsfeld Internet petition, addressed to President Bush, at his new campaign-style website, www.johnkerry.com. Kerry describes the site as "a community of online activists, first brought together in the heat of the 2004 presidential campaign," who today "continue to work side-by-side to rewrite the book on grassroots politics."

On the site, Kerry accuses the Bush administration of "advancing a right-wing assault on the values and ideals we hold most deeply." To his supporters, he says, "I understand the strength, commitment, and passion that are at the core of what we built together — and 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."

Kerry also casts his lot with those who have questioned the results of the 2004 presidential vote. "Johnkerry.com is fighting for a national standard for federal elections that has both transparency and accountability in our voting system," he says. "It's unacceptable in the United States that people still don't have full confidence in the integrity of the voting process. I ask you to join me in this cause — and in working to make our voices heard on the most critical issues of 2005."

The site, including the anti-Rumsfeld campaign, was paid for by Friends of John Kerry, Inc., a committee established by Kerry about six weeks ago. Ostensibly dedicated to Kerry's 2008 reelection race to his Senate seat from Massachusetts, the site is in fact a continuation of Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign site — it still includes information about running mate John Edwards — focusing entirely on national issues. Kerry has also established a separate political-action committee to help finance a presidential-style campaign against the Bush administration.

Since his defeat, Kerry has promised to maintain a high profile in the Senate and in politics in general. In early December, he traveled to both Iowa and New Hampshire for the stated purpose of thanking supporters there. He gave campaign-style speeches, urging workers to "keep up the fight."

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