Former U.S. President Bill Clinton returned to his native Arkansas on Sunday, telling voters Republicans were trying to drive a wedge through the American heartland with social issues. “Let’s be frank about it. Out in the country, they are wearing us out with guns and gay marriage. It’s a load of bull,” Clinton said. Clinton told a crowd of about 3,000 gathered at a civic arena that Republicans were trying to mislead the public about what Kerry’s positions were on these issues.

On guns, Kerry wants the ban on assault weapons, which expired earlier this year, reinstated. The Massachusetts Senator also wants enforcement of the Brady Law provisions requiring background checks and a waiting period for handgun purchases, Clinton said. On marriage between homosexuals, Kerry feels that gays deserve civil unions and feels the matter of marriage should be decided by individual states.

“This election is not about guns and gay marriage,” Clinton said. “It’s about the economy, health care and the future of our children.” Clinton was sidelined four years ago when then-Vice President Al Gore mounted his losing White House bid out of concern the Monica Lewinsky scandal had diminished his popular appeal.

Bush has been leading in Arkansas, a state he won in the last presidential election. Polls indicate that Kerry has been cutting into Bush’s lead. Clinton underwent heart bypass surgery two months ago. He returned to the campaign trail about a week ago at a rally in Philadelphia, where he appeared with Kerry. Since then, the former president has visited several swing states to rally the Democratic faithful.

Clinton remains popular among Democrats, but is reviled by many Republicans who dislike his policies and believe his affair with White House intern Lewinsky dishonored the presidency. Clinton was impeached by the House (of Representatives) but was acquitted by the Senate. The presidential election will be held on Tuesday.

<B>Steve Barnes</B>