Nader urges Democrats to applaud his W. House bid

Veteran consumer advocate Ralph Nader urged liberals yesterday to "relax and rejoice" over his 2004 White House bid and rejected charges he could again be a spoiler in the Democrats' bid for the presidency.

Blamed by many Democrats for helping US President George W. Bush beat Vice President Al Gore in the 2000 race, Mr Nader sought to dispel this view and said he shared a common goal with Democrats of ousting Mr Bush from the White House.

"I urge the liberal establishment to relax and rejoice. This is a campaign that strives to displace the present corporate regime of the Bush administration," Mr Nader told a news conference.

Mr Nader, who wants to end what he says is an addiction by both parties to corporate interests, said those who called him a spoiler needed to examine their commitment to civil liberties.

"Do not deny millions of voters the opportunity to vote for this candidacy. Everyone should have a chance, everyone should argue on the merits, not on the money," he said.

Mr Nader announced on Sunday he intended to run again for the White House, this time on an independent ticket rather than for the Green Party as he did in 2000, a move that will limit his ability to get on the ballot in all 50 states and likely curtail his impact.