Democrats clash over race issue in final debate

THE Democratic presidential contenders clashed sharply over race in the final debate before the Iowa caucuses on Sunday, with civil rights activist Al Sharpton challenging front-runner Howard Dean’s record as Vermont governor.

Barely a week before the January 19 caucuses kick off the Democratic contest for the White House, Dean conceded under questions from Mr Sharpton that he did not have a black or Hispanic in his six-member Cabinet during more than 11 years as governor. “If you want to lecture people on race, you ought to have the background and track record,” said Mr Sharpton, one of two black candidates in the presidential race along with former Illinois senator, Carol Moseley Braun.

“I will take a back seat to no one in my commitment to civil rights,” Mr Dean said, saying he had the most endorsements from members of the black and Hispanic congressional delegations.