CINCINNATI - Doubling the size of his original plan, Democratic presidential contender Al Gore yesterday promised $500 billion in tax relief over 10 years to help middle-class Americans pay for tuition, buy health insurance, and save for retirement.
The package ups the ante in the tax-cutting debate between Gore and Republican nominee-in-waiting George W. Bush. The vice president was wrapping up the first week of his ''progress and prosperity'' tour, designed to convince voters in battleground states that he deserves some credit for the soaring US economy.
Polls show Bush holds a slight lead over Gore in Ohio, a key state for both candidates.
Ohio is one of 17 states targeted for a new Democratic National Committee ad beginning this weekend and focused on Father's Day.
The 30-second spot, scheduled to run through Sunday in some of the most highly contested markets, features biographical shots of Gore with his father and then with his own children.
Surrounded by small businessmen, parents with college children, and others who might benefit from his package, Gore called it ''a plan for permanent, targeted tax cuts for middle-class Americans.''
