<p>WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry lashed out at top congressional Republicans on Friday after they assailed him for saying the United States, like Iraq, needs a regime change.</p>
<p>"The Republicans have tried to make a practice of attacking anybody who speaks out strongly by questioning their patriotism," the Massachusetts senator said. "I refuse to have my patriotism or right to speak out questioned. I fought for and earned the right to express my views in this country."</p>