Byline: Randy Furst; Staff Writer

Attorney General John Ashcroft vigorously defended the USA Patriot Act on Friday, appearing in Minneapolis as part of his nationwide campaign to expand the Justice Department's investigative authority.

"The lives and liberties of Americans are protected by the Patriot Act," said Ashcroft, who got a warm welcome from area police chiefs, sheriffs, assistant U.S. attorneys and other law enforcement employees who were invited to the event.

But opponents say his campaign to expand federal power goes too far and undermines basic constitutional rights.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton likened Ashcroft's efforts to what he called ...