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[AmericanDem]

The Los Angeles Times 11/23/03

Dean's Draft History Draws Critics
Supporters of Clark and Kerry argue that the front-runner's Vietnam
deferment would make him a weaker candidate against President Bush.

By James Rainey and John m. Glionna, Times Staff Writers

DES MOINES — A new account of how Democratic presidential front-
runner Howard Dean avoided service in Vietnam through a medical
deferment — then went skiing in Colorado for 10 months — renewed
arguments Saturday that a military veteran would be able to mount a
stronger challenge against President Bush.

The former Vermont governor was excused from the draft in 1970 when X-
rays showed he had a bad back, although Dean said in an interview
that he "probably" could have served, the New York Times reported
Saturday.

Two other candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination —
Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) and retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark —
fought in Vietnam and were wounded and decorated for their service.

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