Nader opposed by congressional blacks, Ariz. Dems

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ralph Nader had a testy meeting Tuesday with black members of Congress and rejected their request that he quit the presidential race. At the same time, Arizona Democrats prepared to challenge Nader's qualifications to appear on that state's ballot as an independent candidate.
The developments reflect Democrats' increasing frustration with Nader and his potential to woo liberal votes away from John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
Shouts could be heard from inside the meeting in the basement of the U.S. Capitol with more than a dozen Congressional Black Caucus members, including Nader's voice, in what proved to be a rancorous session. One female shouted, "You can't win," to which Nader shot back an inaudible response.
Some lawmakers stormed out of the meeting for a House vote and didn't return.
Separately, Democrats in Arizona were expected today to formally challenge Nader's qualifications to appear on the ballot. Democratic National Committee spokesman Jano Cabrera said the challenge would focus on the validity of thousands of signatures Nader's supporters submitted to Arizona officials.
Cabrera stressed that the state party had not requested DNC resources and that any decision to challenge Nader's ballot access rests with state officials. But he said the national party stands behind the effort in principle.