Kerry visits Columbus

COLUMBUS (AP) -- John Kerry told about 100 people in a working-class Columbus neighborhood Sunday that workers would have more jobs and money if he were president.
On the eve of his party's national convention, the Democratic presidential candidate held a "front-porch" meeting during his 10th visit to Ohio.
Kerry spoke with residents for about 90 minutes from the front lawn of Columbus resident Janet Aikens' home. Aikens spoke to the crowd and said she hoped Kerry would be a different president from George W. Bush.
She said she worked in a nursing home where job cuts meant there weren't enough nurses to adequately care for patients.
Kerry said in response that he would add jobs and invest in small businesses as president.
"America doesn't have to be competitive by downsizing so that people can't make a living," he said. "The middle class will get more money in their pockets than they do under George Bush."
Kerry also said his plan for health care would immediately save each American about $1,000. He said he would repeal tax breaks, but that it would only affect a small percentage of Americans.
Bush campaign spokesman Kevin Madden said Sunday that more taxes and regulation would destroy a recovering economy in Ohio and nationwide.