Clinton 'Responders' Answer Critics

Leaving nothing to chance in the 22 states that will hold Democratic presidential primaries on Super Tuesday, February 5, Senator Hillary Clinton has set up a team of "Rapid Responders" to answer inaccurate or misleading attacks on her or Bill Clinton in the days leading up to the crucial balloting.

Clinton, the junior Senator from New York, is heavily favored to win the state's 281 delegates up for grabs. She has appointed Congressmember Joseph Crowley, former state Democratic Chair Judith Hope and upstate Assemblymember Joe Morelle for the special task. Crowley also is the Queens Democratic Party chairman.

The announcement by Clinton's campaign did not mention any state where negative attacks are expected, nor did it highlight any recent developments as possible sources of distortions of her record.

"We intend to keep this campaign focused on thee issues and ensure that voters and the media have accurate information, former Oklahoma Attorney general Mike Turpen said in one of several similar statements that accompanied the announcement. Clinton's Rapid Responders are a national group of truth tellers and are encouraged to contact campaign headquarters when they hear misleading or inaccurate statements made by her opponents. No telephone number or e-mail address were listed in the announcement.

- John Toscano