John Kerry calls Susan Rice 'extraordinarily capable'
- Kerry considered a front-runner for Secretary of State
- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to resign soon
- Kerry says he 'worked closely with Susan Rice'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. John Kerry says U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice "an extraordinarily capable and dedicated public servant."
The Massachusetts Democrat, now a front-runner for secretary of state after Rice bowed out on Thursday, issued a statement praising Rice and insisting that her decision doesn't change that. He noted that she'll continue serving in the Obama administration.
He said he knows Rice will continue to serve with passion and distinction.
"I've known and worked closely with Susan Rice not just at the U.N., but in my own campaign for president. I've defended her publicly and wouldn't hesitate to do so again because I know her character and I know her commitment."
Kerry said he's all too familiar with political attacks and said he's felt for Rice these past few weeks.
In the 2004 presidential race, Kerry was the subject of unsubstantiated claims by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. The group challenged his decorated Vietnam War record.
Fast facts on Kerry:
- NAME: John Forbes Kerry
- AGE-BIRTH DATE: 69; Dec. 11, 1943.
- EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, political science, Yale University, 1966; law degree, Boston College, 1976.
- EXPERIENCE: U.S. Senate, 1985-present; unsuccessful Democratic candidate for president, 2004; Massachusetts lieutenant governor, 1983-1985; lawyer in private practice, 1979-1982; Middlesex County, Mass., prosecutor, 1976-1978; spokesman, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, 1971; Navy officer, awarded Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat "V," three Purple Hearts for Vietnam War service, 1966-1970.
- FAMILY: Wife, Teresa Heinz; two children, three stepchildren, two grandchildren.