Presidential candidate Dr Howard Dean talks with the News on 6

The first real test for the Democratic presidential hopefuls is less than a week away and all the candidates are stepping up their campaigns. <br><br>Front runner Dr Howard Dean spoke exclusively Tuesday

Tuesday, January 13th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The first real test for the Democratic presidential hopefuls is less than a week away and all the candidates are stepping up their campaigns.

Front runner Dr Howard Dean spoke exclusively Tuesday with News on 6 anchor Terry Hood.

Dean is leading the pack of Democrats who want to challenge President Bush next fall. Because of that lead, Dean has dominated the spotlight and taken a lot of heat from the other candidates.

He says the others are misrepresenting his record, portraying him as liberal when he's actually conservative on issues that matter to Oklahomans. "I'm sure I'm the only candidate with eight consecutive "A" ratings from the National Rifle Association. So I'm the kind of Democrat that has a shot at winning in the general election in Oklahoma because I'm a little more conservative about money and a little more conservative about guns than most Democrats are."

Terry Hood: "Why do you think that perception is out there? Why do you think people are somewhat nervous about you?"

Dean: "Well because they're all from Washington. Sometimes I think the Democrats in Washington would rather lose and stay in they are cozy position than win. You gotta standup to George Bush if you're gonna beat em. And they won't do it.â€