Jerusalem

Sharon seeks alliance with moderate Labor Party

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon asked the moderate Labor Party to join his shaky coalition Monday, an alliance that would strongly boost chances for a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005.

Sharon warned hard-liners in his Likud Party, who oppose a partnership with Labor and a Gaza pullout, that he would call early elections if they stand in his way.

The prime minister and Labor leader Shimon Peres met for an hour Monday. Their aides said a coalition deal was expected quickly, despite possible wrangling over senior Cabinet jobs and Labor’s demands for changes in government policy.

Labor wants to resume contacts with the Palestinians as the withdrawal gets under way, while Sharon insists on a unilateral pullout and refuses to negotiate with Yasser Arafat’s Palestinian Authority.

Boston

Kerry targets minorities with $3 million ad buys

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is launching $3 million worth of campaign ads targeting Hispanics and blacks this week as he tries to shore up the minority vote that is critical in his quest for the White House.

As polls continue to show a competitive presidential race, both parties are determined to sway Hispanics, the fastest-growing minority whose votes will be crucial in battleground states in which the margin was razor-thin in 2000. Democrats, who handily won the black vote four years ago, are seeking to avoid any erosion in support.

President Bush began a radio campaign Monday costing more than $1 million in 18 states. The 60-second ad, broadcast in English and Spanish, criticizes Kerry for missing more than two-thirds of votes in the Senate during his presidential campaign.

Blacks and Hispanics lean Democratic, but Kerry is not taking them for granted after complaints that he doesn’t have enough minorities on his staff or natural appeal in their communities like the last Democratic president — Bill Clinton.