Bradley Insists He Is Loyal Democrat

DES MOINES — Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Bradley insisted Saturday he’s a true-blue Democrat, even though he toyed with the idea of running as an independent in 1996.

“That was never seriously considered,” Bradley said. “I said that, in part, because I was looking for a way to make our democracy more responsive.”

Bradley’s rival for the Democratic nomination, Vice President Al Gore, has highlighted the issue, calling into question Bradley’s commitment to the party.

During a question-and-answer session with reporters in Des Moines, Bradley dismissed the idea that his flirtation with an independent party candidacy is an issue with his supporters or with potential Democratic voters.

“After a very short consideration, I realized that it was going to take place within the Democratic Party,” Bradley said. “I’ve always been a Democrat all my life, and . . . that’s where my convictions were.”

Bradley and his wife, Ernestine, were in Des Moines on Saturday to participate in the “Race for the Cure,” which attracted about 8,000 runners and walkers, helping to raise money for breast cancer research.

Ernestine Bradley was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. The couple walked a mile, then helped hand out awards at a ceremony afterward.