Daschle attacks Bush for what senator calls `atrocious' economic record

WASHINGTON (AP) Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle launched a pre-election attack on President Bush's economic record on Wednesday, accusing him of doing little to spur the listless economy or address job and stock market losses, eroded retirement accounts and vanishing budget surpluses.

The South Dakota Democrat's 35-minute address on the Senate floor, replete with poster-sized charts, came during a run-up to congressional elections that have been dominated in recent weeks by talk of war with Iraq. Democrats long have preferred campaign seasons to be dominated by domestic issues, which polls traditionally show are more to their advantage.

''Regardless of what it is we do with Iraq and the war on terrorism, I'd hope this administration can dedicate some of its time each week to economic security as well, ... to this atrocious record'' on the economy, Daschle said.

''It takes leadership not only with regard to international and foreign policy, but to help here at home on economic policy as well. We haven't seen it to date,'' he added.

Daschle's remarks prompted an immediate response from Republicans, who said Daschle and the Democratic-led Senate have done little.

''Even if you accept all that as a problem and a lot of it is, what is your plan?'' Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., said of the issues Daschle named. ''Quit being critical without offering any alternatives.''

White House budget chief Mitchell Daniels called Daschle's remarks ''a very dispiriting and disappointing performance, I'm tempted to say tantrum'' that ignored today's low interest and inflation rates.