A Kinder, Gentler Al Gore?

Seeking contributions for his White House bid, Vice President Al Gore is asking supporters to help him move politics "upward" and away from personal attacks.

In his first direct mailing to potential contributors, Gore warns against letting the nation "succumb to the forces of divisiveness, extremism and personal destruction."

The two-page letter signed by Gore invites recipients to join a national steering committee and send contributions to build early support for his bid to succeed President Clinton.

"Republican candidates have already begun their attacks on me ... and they will only intensify," Gore wrote. "Will you stand with me as I face down these personal attacks?"

The letter, dated Feb. 8, was sent to anyone who ever has contributed to the Clinton-Gore campaigns, well more than 100,000 people, according to a source familiar with Gore's fund-raising operation. The vice president also has several fund-raising events on his schedule.

According to the Gore adviser, the appeal is aimed at Democratic voters enraged by the impeachment of President Clinton because of the president's efforts to conceal his affair with a White House intern.

The Democratic Party and its committees have reported dramatic increases in donations since they began citing in their fund-raising appeals GOP efforts to oust Mr. Clinton from office over the Monica Lewinsky issue.

Gore has been loyal to Mr. Clinton throughout, which has endeared him to the Democratic base, especially minorities.

"The first election of the 21st century will be a defining moment in our history," the vice president wrote. "It is imperative that we win this race. Your support is the key."

"Our citizens are tired of the politics of personal attack, and we must transcend these destructive trends. We must not only move politics forward, but also upward, to a higher place," the letter said.

The letter touts strides made by Mr. Clinton and Gore since their 1992 election, from low unemployment rates to a balanced budget.

The vice president also highlighted goals for the future: making health care available to all, combating climate change and improving education.

Gore cautioned supporters, "This will not be an easy race."

The only other current candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination is former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and civil rights activists Jesse Jackson may yet join the race.

Written By Kalpana Srinivasan, Associated Press Writer