Ashcroft is kicking off a month-long tour to defend the Patriot Act against the growing legions opposing it.

He's going to need all the luck he can get. Opposition to the Patriot Act is no longer partisan. It was overwhelmingly passed by both parties, and it is now overwhelmingly opposed by both parties.

They also worry about the legislation overwhelming approved by the U.S. House of Representatives last month that would block the Justice Department from using any funds to secretly search the homes of suspects and only inform them later that a warrant has been issued to do so.

The legislation was sponsored by Idaho Republican C.L. "Butch" Otter and was approved by a 309-118 vote. Aides said Ashcroft would oppose the legislation in his speech.

About 150 local governments have also approved resolutions objecting to the Patriot Act.