KATRINA ALTERSITZ=

BOSTON -- Rep. Steny Hoyer, speaking to a packed Fleet Center on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, said Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry would help "restore this great nation's good name."

"John Kerry's courage and strength were forged on a battlefield half a world away," said the third-ranking House Democrat. "And in the great tradition of Democratic leaders who preceded him, he is committed to a national security policy that sends a clear message to both friend and foe: The United States of America will oppose every enemy of freedom and work with every friend of peace."

The brief address, which brought the Maryland delegates to their feet, went slightly off the party line of optimism as Hoyer cited what he called the "worst record of job creation since the Great Depression."

"Today, millions of families struggle just to keep the American dream in sight," Hoyer said. "They're being squeezed by health care costs, college expenses and record high gasoline prices."

"The Republican Party has had its chance."

Now, Hoyer said, it was time for the values of the Democratic Party to "spark again the torch of America's greatness and goodness."

"We believe that morality demands that our generation not put its purchases on our children's tab, and that we not rob Social Security's resources and endanger the retirement of our parents," he said.

"We Democrats are confident that we can - and will - lead this nation to achieve the full measure of its greatness . . . Then, and only then, will we proclaim, 'Mission Accomplished,'" Hoyer said.

R. Michelle Melton, a delegate from Upper Marlboro, said Hoyer was "motivating us to get prepared, to get voters out to the polls and get them registered." - 30- CNS-7-26-04

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