Kerry strategy meetings with senators shows interest in southern states

<Kerry, the presumptive Democratic nominee, spent about 20 minutes behind closed doors with Sen. John Breaux, D-La., after a separate session with Sens. Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both West Virginia Democrats.

President Bush won the two states, which represent 14 electoral votes, in 2000, but the Kerry campaign is targeting them as possible battlegrounds in the fall.

"I'm running for president. (Sen. Breaux) represents an important state and I wanted to listen to his advice," Kerry said as he hustled out of the Hart Senate Office Building.

Breaux later said that he told Kerry to strike a moderate tone as he angles for a small group of voters uncommitted to either major candidate.

The meeting underscored Kerry's interest in Louisiana, which he has visited three times since March. A Kerry aide said the candidate plans to return next month. >

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