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(Washington-AP) -- Attorney General John Ashcroft is launching a campaign-style offensive aimed at countering criticism from leading Democrats and civil liberties advocates about the anti-terrorism Patriot Act.
Following an opening speech today at a conservative Washington think tank, Ashcroft goes on a road trip Wednesday and Thursday with remarks to law enforcement audiences in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit and Des Moines.
Among the dozen or so future stops are Salt Lake City and Boston.
The Justice Department is putting up an Internet site to reinforce the pro-Patriot Act message and all 94 U-S attorneys are being encouraged to hold town hall-style meetings to stress the law's benefits in fighting terrorism.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
