Gore Tells Auto Workers Bush Has Let Jobs Slide : Democrats: On the heels of a GOP attack, Clinton’s running mate sticks to his call for higher fuel efficiency.

DETROIT — Continuing a running skirmish that played out in Michigan the last few days, Al Gore accused the Bush Administration on Saturday of “indifference” to the plight of American car makers and of “presiding over the worst destruction of jobs in the auto industry in the history of this nation.”

The Democratic vice presidential candidate also stuck to his controversial call for tougher auto fuel efficiency standards, an unpopular stance among some in this recession-racked capital of the U.S. automotive industry. Gore told the Michigan state Democratic convention that the quest for greater efficiency will lead not only to new jobs for displaced auto workers but also to a cleaner global environment.

The Tennessee senator’s Detroit appearance came on the heels of Michigan campaign stops last week by President Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle during which both men blasted Gore and Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton for backing tougher fuel efficiency standards.

Vying for support in a state widely viewed as critical to the outcome of the November election, Bush and Quayle warned that the push to raise the efficiency standards to 40 miles per gallon by the turn of the century from the current 27.5 m.p.g. could cost the auto industry as many as 300,000 jobs. Quayle also criticized Gore’s overall environmental views as spelled out in a book he recently wrote, terming them “pretty bizarre stuff.”

Gore on Saturday told his audience that he and Clinton are “committed to America’s auto workers and to an industry that . . . provides the world with first-class cars.”

But he also said: “I want to tell you I do favor better fuel efficiency, and, yes, I favor 40 miles per gallon, and, yes, I believe there is a serious worldwide environmental crisis. I make no apologies for my beliefs.”

Focusing on the fuel efficiency issue, Gore said: “We’ve got to talk about . . . investing in the new technologies that will help improve fuel efficiency . . . because it will create jobs, strengthen the auto industry and help revive the economy.”

He also said the Administration had no right to point fingers on the issue of jobs in the auto industry.

“How dare Bush and Quayle come into Michigan and talk about jobs in the automobile industry when they have presided over the worst destruction of jobs in the auto industry in the entire history of this nation.” Gore said.

In a written statement distributed to reporters, Gore sounded an even harsher note, accusing Bush and Quayle of “lying about what we want to do.”

Referring to the GOP warnings of job losses under a Clinton Administration, the Gore statement said: “You know what they did to get those numbers? They counted every auto worker now making a car that doesn’t meet the fuel efficiency standards and assumed every one of those jobs would be lost. . . . They are cooking up some numbers. It’s ridiculous and it’s a lie.”

The tough words from Gore came only a day after Clinton in effect accused Bush of lying about the number of tax increases in Arkansas during the years Clinton has served as governor. The Bush campaign has stood by its claims.

Gore also had harsh words for several present and former Bush Administration trade officials who, he suggested, may have had business dealings that represent conflicts of interest.

Among them, Gore said, is James Lake, a senior adviser to the Bush campaign who also lobbies for the Japan Auto Parts Assn. for a reported monthly fee of $10,000.

Such links are “disturbing as hell,” Gore said.

Lake has denied any conflict of interest.