Retired General Wesley Clark defends credentials in Oklahoma visit

<br>(Tulsa-AP) -- Presidential candidate Wesley Clark defended his Democratic credentials, criticized the Iraq war and President Bush's tax cuts while courting union voters Tuesday in Tulsa. <br><br>Clark,

Tuesday, October 7th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Presidential candidate Wesley Clark defended his Democratic credentials, criticized the Iraq war and President Bush's tax cuts while courting union voters Tuesday in Tulsa.

Clark, speaking at the Transport Workers Union Local 514, says he supports affirmative action, abortion rights, labor unions and strong environmental policies.

The retired four-star general says the war to oust Saddam Hussein has distracted the government's search for Osama bin Laden.

Clark leads eight other candidates in polls for the Democratic nomination, despite entering the race only last month.

Clark says he would repeal Bush's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and use that money, $100-million, to create jobs.

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Clark praised the union, which represents American Airlines ground workers, for conceding wages and benefits to keep the airline out of bankruptcy.