Democrat Senators Ream Gore for Attacking Miami's Mayor

Sore loserman Al Gore is caught up in such a frenzy of hatred that he's even attacking members of his own party, but his fellow Democrats are pounding him right back.

Florida's two U.S. senators, both Dems, are furious at Gore for calling Senate wannabe Alex Penelas "treacherous and dishonest" during the 2000 election. Gore is still seething that Penelas, mayor of Miami-Dade County, didn't abet him in his failed coup attempt.

"This slash-and-burn politics has gotten us to the point that it is causing gridlock in America," said Sen. Bill Nelson. "I am pretty disappointed that Al Gore would say that about my friend, Alex Penelas."

Lame-duck Sen. Bob Graham, who like Nelson wants to be Kerry's running mate, also said Gore's comments raised concerns. "I think it would be desirable to focus on the real goal, which is to see a Democrat in this seat," he said.

The Miami Herald on Sunday published a statement from Gore that praised one of Penelas' two main rivals for the Senate nomination, Rep. Peter Deutsch, as "a standup leader for our party in difficult times such as the 2000 election recount in Florida."

The statement added: "One of the other candidates in this race became in 2000 the single most treacherous and dishonest person I dealt with during the campaign anywhere in America."

One of Gore's handlers confirmed that the former veep was not referring to the third candidate, Betty Castor.

"This is Gore and Deutsch using the politics of yesterday: slash and burn," Penelas said Monday. "I can't help but think of Joe Lieberman and how he must have felt when he found out through the press that Al Gore was endorsing Howard Dean instead of him. I think this will further solidify the people who are with me."

'Shocking'

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., said: "For that to come from a vice president of the United States is shocking. If it was intended to bury Alex Penelas, I think people will think it was over the top."

Nelson fretted that Gore's viciousness could cost Democrats the Senate seat and help hand Florida to President Bush. "This doesn't help John Kerry in a state that is thought to be split right down the middle," the senator complained.

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