] The Bush administration, under increasing criticism over
] its terrorism policies, is beginning an unusual
] counteroffensive this week in an effort to shore up
] support for the prized legislation that grew out of the
] attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
]
] The pitchman for the campaign-style initiative is
] Attorney General John Ashcroft, a politically divisive
] figure who plans to deliver more than a dozen speeches
] around the country beginning on Tuesday in defense of the
] administration's terrorism efforts.