The head of the Democratic National Committee said Wednesday that he wishes U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas of Boone County would vote more often with the Democrats on the larger issues facing Congress.

        “But people have to vote their conscience,” DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe said during a conference call with political reporters from across the country.

        “You can't tell people how to vote,” he said.

        Mr. Lucas, who represents Northern Kentucky's heavily Republican 4th Congressional District, has gained a reputation for siding with the GOP and bucking Democrats on several major issues.

        • Mr. Lucas was one of three Democrats to cross party lines earlier this month to help Republicans pass a patients rights bill.

        • Mr. Lucas was among the 28 Democrats to vote for President George Bush's $1.35 trillion tax cut, a vote rewarded with a trip on Air Force Two with Vice President Dick Cheney to deliver the first tax rebate checks in Kansas City.

        • Mr. Lucas is resisting calls from fellow Democrats and labor union leaders to oppose “fast track” legislation, a bill that would grant the president more authority to negotiate foreign trade agreements. Union leaders say they fear the so-called “fast track” legislation will cost Americans jobs, hurt the environment and lower the standards of products purchased by consumers. A vote is expected in the fall.

        Mr. Lucas' votes often frustrate partisan Republicans and GOP officials and candidates, who often lose political leverage because of Mr. Lucas' willingness to cross the aisle and vote against his party.

        Mr. McAuliffe said that while he wishes Mr. Lucas were more supportive of the Democratic agenda, “you can't control on how people vote on issues.”

        “I want all Democrats to vote with the Democratic Party on the principles of the Democratic Party,” he said. “But we're a very big tent. We have very liberal Democrats and we have very conservative Democrats. Sometimes it doesn't always go your way.”

        Mr. McAuliffe said he still values Mr. Lucas' vote and that even though the congressman may not always vote with the party it's still important to keep the seat in Democratic hands as the party tries to win control of the House next year.

        “We need ... the vote in a caucus so we have great committee chairs as Democrats,” Mr. McAuliffe said.

        On another Kentucky political issue, Mr. McAuliffe said he would have no problem if there is a Democratic U.S. Senate primary next year.

        Louisville businessman Charlie Owen, who has twice run unsuccessfully for Congress, is considering challenging Lois Combs Weinberg in the May Democratic primary. The winner would face three-term Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell in November 2002.

        “The more Democrats, the better,” Mr. McAuliffe said. “As long as people don't attack fellow Democrats.”

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