<p>Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry has begun to question President Bush's National Guard service record personally in the past few days as he finds himself drawn deeper into charges and countercharges with the Bush campaign.</p>
<p>But Democrats say they are amazed to find themselves outflanked on the issue of Mr. Kerry's military service -- an issue they think should be a clear winner for them -- and see no alternative other than to fight each charge -- "hit or be hit," as one Democratic strategist put it.</p>