WASHINGTON - Five outspoken Sept. 11 widows on Tuesday will publicly endorse John Kerry (news - web sites) for president, The Associated Press has learned, throwing their weight behind the Democratic challenger in a heated campaign debate over who is best suited to defend the nation from another terrorist attack.

Some, including Kristen Breitweiser, of Middletown, N.J., and Monica Gabrielle, of West Haven, Conn., also have agreed to make campaign appearances for the Democratic senator, campaign sources told the AP.

"We will be speaking from the heart, and speaking from our conscience," Breitweiser said Monday. She would not elaborate. Breitweiser is by far the most visible and outspoken of the Sept. 11 family advocates, and has been highly critical of the government's reform efforts to date.Some relatives, including Breitweiser, have promised to create a watchdog list to track any lawmakers who oppose reforms proposed by an independent, bipartisan commission that investigated the attacks. Let me explain. These are the Jersey widows who pushed for the 9/11 commission and most of whom husbands worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. They have been among the most outspoken advocates for the families and endorsing Kerry is no small deal. And I doubt these were long time liberal activists.

These women literally forced Bush's hand on the Commission and forced Condi Rice to testify. And since tomorrow is Kitty Kelley day, well, Bush won't be happy for two reasons.

But this is a good thing for Kerry and be sure to tell your wavering friends that the same women who pushed for the 9/11 Commission are now campaigning for Kerry. They don't think Bush can make you safer. And if they don't, why do you?