Don’t use the “L” word around Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry or his runningmate, John Edwards. Kerry sees no validity in Republican accusations that he’s a liberal. He says Republcians are just throwing labels around instead of focusing on the issues. Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, and runningmate John Edwards gave a limited number of news media interviews after their Jefferson City appearance. Edwards, a North Carolina Senator, bristles at suggestions that his voting record indicates he’s a liberal. He says he is in the mainstream among the Democratic Party. And Kerry responds that his record shows support for a balanced budget and a strong defense. He adds his campaign has emphasized improving schools, making health care available to all and creating jobs.