Gore Warns Disabled of Bush High Court

Vice President Al Gore suggested Tuesday that his Republican rival, George W. Bush, would undermine federal protections for the disabled by appointing “right-wing ideologues” to the Supreme Court.

Gore’s attack came after he released a plan to spend $2.7 billion over 10 years on programs to help the disabled.

In a speech celebrating the 10th anniversary of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act, Gore pointed to favorable comments that Bush has made about two conservative Supreme Court justices, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas.

“Ask yourself whether you would like to see three or four more Antonin Scalias and Clarence Thomases on the court,” he told several hundred disabled people in a hotel ballroom here.

“Ask yourselves what the future of the ADA would be at the hands of such a court.” His remarks took up a campaign theme that he laid out last month when he said that Bush’s Supreme Court appointments would threaten abortion rights.

“I know that my opponent speaks of a commitment to people with disabilities, and I’m sure that he means it,” Gore said, touching off a chorus of groans. “No, I’m sure that he means it. But let’s face it: If we allow anyone to pack the court with right-wing ideologues, all of our advances in civil rights and equal rights could be ruled away.”

Bush spokesman Dan Bartlett denied that the Texas governor, the likely Republican presidential nominee, would undercut the rights of the disabled.

“George Bush has said all along that he will appoint justices with a strong judicial temperament and will not legislate from the bench,” Bartlett said.

“Gov. Bush is a strong supporter of the ADA, has outlined several initiatives to improve the disability act and has worked hard in Texas to improve access for the disabled.”

Gore, the presumed Democratic nominee for president, made his remarks at a convention of the National Council of Independent Living, a coalition of advocacy groups for the disabled.

Paul Spooner, the council’s president, agreed that the federal law protecting the disabled from discrimination would be threatened if the Supreme Court shifts rightward. “The difference is like night and day to me. George Bush will put us back in the darkness.”

The new proposal that Gore released included $75 million a year for community centers offering resources for the disabled; $70 million a year to develop technology to help the disabled; and a $1,000 tax credit to defray transportation and other work-related costs for the disabled.

In addition, Gore unveiled several new measures by the Clinton administration to help the disabled, including incentives for states to expand coverage of home care expenses under the Medicaid program.

Earlier in the day, Gore swore in former Rep. Norman Y. Mineta of San Jose as Commerce secretary to replace Bill Daley, who resigned to chair Gore’s presidential campaign. Mineta, 68, is the first Asian American to hold a Cabinet post.

At the ceremony, Gore recalled that Mineta and his family were taken during World War II to an internment camp in Wyoming for Americans of Japanese descent. Mineta was 10 at the time.

On Tuesday evening, Gore hosted a reception and dinner that was expected to raise $550,000 for the Democratic National Committee.

The reception was at the Washington home of Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), one of the contenders to be Gore’s running mate, but Gore spokesman Chris Lehane said the event was planned months ago and had nothing to do with Gore’s search for a running mate.