Kerry campaign gathers steam after affair denial

JOHN KERRY, buoyed by a denial by journalist Alexandra Polier that she had an affair with the Massachusetts senator, consolidated his place yesterday in the race to challenge George W Bush for the White House.

The Vietnam war hero was campaigning hard ahead of today's primary in Wisconsin, which is expected to see him extend his lead in the series of state votes.

Mr Kerry's rival, Howard Dean, had earlier suggested he would pull out of the race if he lost in Wisconsin.