Fresno Bee Endorses Edwards

Press Release...

California's sixth largest paper picks Edwards for his leadership in standing up for middle class families

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, California's Fresno Bee endorsed Senator John Edwards for President citing his leadership in standing up for middle class families and ending the war in Iraq.

"Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards' campaign for president offers a much-needed vision that recognizes the hope and promise of America," the editorial board wrote. "It's a view that includes solidifying the plight of working families and others in the middle class. This group of Americans has struggled the past eight years under an administration that has catered to the well-connected and powerful, and it's time for leadership that understands the contributions and needs of American families. We believe that John Edwards can provide that leadership and urge Democratic and independent voters to support him in the California primary on Feb. 5."

Last week, more than 1,000 supporters attended a community meeting with Senator Edwards at the Southern California Public Service Workers' headquarters in Los Angeles. Edwards enjoys the support of more than 760,000 union members across California, including the support of California's single largest union, the California SEIU State Council. Edwards has also won the support of dozens of diverse Democratic elected officials and party leaders from every region of the Golden State.

The endorsement can be viewed at: http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/story/341733.html

Edwards Meets With Supporters in MO

Edwards meets with, and gains new, supporters in MO today...

From West Coast to the East Coast, Edwards is the best candidate to win the general election and bring real change to America

St. Louis, Missouri – Today, John Edwards visited St. Louis as part of his three-day coast to coast tour, and called on voters to join him in his campaign to take our country back from powerful entrenched interests and make our government work for working families and the middle class. Over the past two days, Edwards has visited Nevada, California, and Oklahoma, and today, he is visiting Missouri, Georgia and South Carolina to demonstrate his broad, coast to coast strength and his advantage as the best candidate to win the general election. As a sign of Edwards growing strength in the state, he was endorsed today by State Senator Ryan McKenna, former Speaker Missouri House Jim Kreider, and former State Representative Wayne Henke.

"To get real change, we need a president who will stand up against the big corporations and powerful interests who control Washington," said Edwards. "The American people – whether they live in rural areas or urban areas, red states or blue states – need a President who will stand up for them. As President, I will make sure the voices of all Americans are heard in Washington. If we fight together, we can get the change we need and America will rise."

Speaking at the St. Louis Carpenters District Council, Edwards outlined his plans to stand up for hard-working families, like the ones he grew up with. From guaranteeing universal health care to creating well paying jobs and enacting trade policies that put the interests of workers, not multinational corporations first, Edwards will take on big corporate interests and help families get ahead. Born to a working class family and raised in small, rural towns, Edwards understands the struggles facing working families. He has spent his life standing up to powerful interests – and beating them.

Edwards' message is resonating with voters in red states and blue states, in big cities and small towns. In addition to strong grassroots support in these states, Edwards also enjoys the support of numerous labor groups and state and local elected officials who know that he is the best candidate to win the White House and bring real change to our country. A recent CNN poll showed Edwards was the only Democrat to beat all four leading Republicans nationally, and state by state polls show even more conclusively that Edwards is the most electable democrat in key battleground states -- and even wins in states like Missouri and Oklahoma that have gone "red" in recent presidential elections.

Edwards is the first Democratic presidential candidate to visit Missouri this year. He enjoys strong grassroots support in the state, including the support more than 33,000 union members across Missouri. Edwards has also won the support of dozens of Democratic elected officials and party leaders from every region of the state.

"We need a candidate who can bring real change to America and who can win. That candidate is John Edwards," said former Missouri Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell. "John Edwards can compete and win in every part of the country, including red states and battleground states because Americans identify with who he is and what he stands for – fairness and opportunity and making sure everyone has a chance."

"John Edwards is the change candidate in this campaign -- the candidate with not only the boldest ideas for change, but the candidate who can win in November, strengthen Democratic majorities in Congress and at the state level, and make his ideas a reality," said Missouri Democratic House Whip Connie Johnson. "John Edwards can go to any part of the country and help Democrats down-ballot. With John Edwards as our nominee, we can get the change we need in Missouri and across the country."

"I'm proud to support John Edwards because he understands, better than any other candidate, the challenges facing rural Americans," said Missouri State Senator Wes Shoemeyer. "John Edwards has offered real solutions to the challenges Americans in rural communities face, and he's determined to be a voice for regular people."

Edwards' supporters in Missouri include:

Former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell

Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Frank Barnitz

State Senator Wes Shoemeyer

State Senator Tim Green

State Senator Ryan McKenna

State House Democratic Whip Connie Johnson

State House Democratic Caucus Chair Ed Wildberger

State Representative John Burnett

State Representative Curt Dougherty

State Representative Michael Frame

State Representative Jeff Roorda

State Representative Ray Salva

State Representative Tom Shively

State Representative Terry Young

Former State Representative and House Speaker Jim Kreider

Former State Representative Wayne Henke

Julie Gibson, former Chief of Staff to Governor Bob Holden

St. Louis Alderman Stephen Gregali

St. Louis City Committeeman Claude Brown

St. Louis American Editor Alvin Reid

Adair County Democratic Committee Chair Jerry Caldwell

Benton County Democratic Committee Vice Chair Mike Potter

Camden County Democratic Committee Chair Rick Pope

Dade County Democratic Committee Vice Chair Harlin Stump

Hickory County Democratic Committee Vice Chair Gerda Fitts

Jasper County Democratic Committee Vice Chair Betty Seeley

Jasper County Democratic Committee Chair Earl Roger Seeley

Knox County Democratic Committee Vice Chair Sharon Bradley

Marion County Democratic Committee Chair Joyce Kesner

Pettis County Democratic Committee Vice Chair Wanda Monsees

Saline County Democratic Committee Chair Susan Hunter

Shelby County Democratic Committee Secretary Harold Beach

Stoddard County Democratic Committee Treasurer Dennis Gregory

Texas County Democratic Committee Vice Chairperson Janis Mayberry

Wright County Democratic Committee Chair Gary Hall

Edwards in Georgia

Edwards joined by supporters and endorsed by many...

From the West Coast to the East Coast, Edwards is the best candidate to win the general election and bring real change to America

Atlanta, Georgia – Today, John Edwards visited Atlanta as part of a coast to coast tour and called on voters to join him to take our country back from powerful entrenched interests and make our government work for working families and the middle class. Speaking at the IBEW Local #613 hall, Edwards outlined his plans to guarantee universal health care, create well paying jobs and enact trade policies that put the interests of workers, not multinational corporations first. Born to a working class family and raised in small, rural towns, Edwards understands the struggles facing working families. He has spent his life standing up to powerful interests – and beating them. As president, Edwards will take on big corporate interests and stand up for hard-working families like the ones he grew up with.

"To get real change, we need a president who will stand up against the big corporations and powerful interests who control Washington," said Edwards. "The American people – whether they live in rural areas or urban areas, red states or blue states – need a President who will stand up for them. As President, I will make sure the voices of all Americans are heard in Washington. If we fight together, we can get the change we need and America will rise."

In Georgia, Edwards enjoys the support of former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, former Georgia Lt. Governor Mark Taylor, Georgia Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown, Georgia House Democratic Leader Dubose Porter, former U.S. Rep. Ben "Cooter" Jones, and former U.S. Representative Ed Jenkins. Edwards has also won the support of more than 10,000 union members all across Georgia.

"We need a candidate who can bring real change to America and who can win," said former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes. "That candidate is John Edwards. He can compete and win in every part of the country, including red states and battleground states because Americans identify with who he is and what he stands for – fairness and opportunity and making sure everyone has a chance."

"John Edwards is the change candidate in this campaign who can win in November, strengthen Democratic majorities in Congress and at the state level, and make his ideas a reality," said former Georgia Lt. Governor Mark Taylor. "John Edwards can go to any part of the country and help Democrats down-ballot. With John Edwards as our nominee, we can get the change we need."

From January 17th to January 19th, Edwards is visiting Nevada, California, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia and South Carolina to demonstrate his broad, coast to coast strength and his advantage as the best candidate to win the general election. Edwards' message is resonating with voters in red states and blue states, in big cities and small towns. In addition to strong grassroots support in these states, Edwards also enjoys the support of numerous labor groups and state and local elected officials who know that he is the best candidate to win the White House and bring real change to our country. A recent CNN poll showed Edwards was the only Democrat to beat all four leading Republicans nationally, and state by state polls show even more conclusively that Edwards is the most electable democrat in key battleground states -- and even wins in states like Missouri and Oklahoma that have gone "red" in recent presidential elections.

Edwards' supporters in Georgia include:

Former Governor Roy Barnes

Former Lt. Governor Mark Taylor

Former Georgia Congressman Ben "Cooter" Jones

Former Georgia Congressman Ed Jenkins

State Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown

State House Democratic Leader Dubose Porter

State Senator Vincent D. Fort

State Senator Steve Henson

State Senator Valencia Seay

State Senator J.B. Powell

State Representative and Chief Deputy Whip Rob Teilhet

State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield

State Representative Hugh Floyd

State Representative Gerald Greene

State Representative Michele Henson

State Representative Jeannette Jamieson

State Representative Charles Jenkins

State Representative Wade Starr

Former State Senator and Middle Georgia Attorney Michael Moore

Former State Senator Mell Traylor

Former State Representative Tom Bordeaux

Former State Representative; Former Chairman of the Polk County Party, John Moore

Former Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals Marion T. Pope

Former Mayor of Albany Tommy Colmean

Former Taylor County Sheriff; Past President of the Georgia Sheriff Association, Nick Giles

Macon City Councilwoman, Macon Attorney and Democratic Activist Lauren Logan Benedict

Macon City Councilman, Mike Cranford

Macon City Councilman, Rick Hutto

Albany City Commissioner John Howard

Kerry Chair and Kerry-Edwards Chair in Georgia, Former Chair of Democratic Party in Georgia David Worley

Atlanta Businessman, The Shailendra Group; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist Shi Shailendra

Middle Georgia attorney Chuck Byrd

Atlanta Attorney, Democratic Fundraiser and Activist Stephen Leeds

Atlanta attorney and former Chief of Staff to Senate Democratic Caucus Amol Naik

Vice Chair Georgia's WIN list, Amy Morton

Co-Founding Chair of Georgia's WIN list , Melita Easters

Associate Director for the Conflict Resolution Program; Son of President Jimmy Carter, Jeff Carter

Former Executive Director of the Georgia Democratic Party Jeff DiSantis

Former Communications Director of the Georgia Democratic Party Emil Runge

Atlanta Businessman, The Shailendra Group; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist Sachin Shailendra

Former DNC Executive Committee Member; Former National President, College Democrats of America, Ashley Bell

Former Commissioner of Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning, Founding Member of Women's Political Network, Founder and Former Editor of Macon Magazine Joni Woolf

Former Bibb County School Board Member, Terry Tripp

Founder and President of Nannies + More , Sacha Taylor

Atlanta Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist , Fred Orr

Atlanta Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist , Martin Chitwood

Atlanta Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist ,Tim Morrison

Atlanta Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist , Tim Santelli

Columbus Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist, James Butler

Marietta Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist , Ronald Lowry

Atlanta Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist , Adam Malone

Atlanta Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist Tommy Malone

Atlanta Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist Glenn Sturm

Columbus Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist, Trip Tomlinson

Columbus Attorney; Democratic Fundraiser and Activist, Teresa Tomlinson

Rome Attorney , Democratic Fundraiser and Activist, Robert Finnell

Democratic Fundraiser and Activist, Rob Lange

Macon attorney, democratic fundraiser and activist, Duke Groover

Macon attorney, 8th District Congressional Chair for the Democratic Party of Georgia, Daryl Morton

Why Should You Support John Edwards?

Great speech given by Randy Bayne to the Sierra Foothills Democratic Club which offers some reasoning on why you should consider voting for John Edwards for President...

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Why I support John Edwards
by Randy Bayne

Last night I spoke to the Sierra Foothills Democratic Club in El Dorado Hill on behalf of John Edwards. Below is the text of my comments as prepared for delivery.

Thank you, Sierra Foothills Democratic Club for inviting me to speak on behalf of Senator John Edwards. If you get all your news and information from mainstream media you may not have heard about it yet, but Senator Edwards is running for President of the United States.

I probably over thought what I could tell you about Senator Edwards this evening. I could tell you about his plan for universal health care that puts us on the road to a single payer system. I could talk about his plan to immediately withdraw between forty and fifty thousand combat troops from Iraq. I could talk about his support for middle-class families and working Americans. His education proposals may interest some of you, and his energy plan works toward energy independence and fights global warming. I could also spend some time talking about his plan to revitalize rural America.

Sure, I could bore you with the details of Senator Edwards’ bold initiatives, but, if you get your news from alternative media sources, you’ve likely heard them — or something similar to them — already. You see, each of the Presidential candidates also have plans that are similar to Senator Edwards’. On the issues, there is little difference between the candidates.

The difference is, Senator Edwards proposed his plans before any of the other candidates, and many of the details of his plans were incorporated into their plans. If imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery... well, John should be flattered.

[Read Full Post]

Still Voting For Edwards

This is an Opinion piece done by Eli Densky which is just too well written to not read in full. It's rather lengthy, so it's not presented in it's entirety here. The original can be viewed at:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20080115/cm_huffpost/081664

Eli Dansky
Tue Jan 15, 5:22 PM ET

I'm voting for John Edwards in the February 5th California primary. I'm
more certain of this now than ever before. I'm told that my continued support
for Edwards's candidacy, like the candidacy itself, is either an egomaniacal
fool's errand, racist, a betrayal of the Democratic party, or all of the above.

I'm even told the candidate who espouses the progressive politics I hold
dear is grounding Senator Obama's ascendancy. While I don't pretend to speak for everyone who supports John Edwards for President, I can say that if Edwards jumps off the ballot before California, Barack Obama is not, at present, my second choice.

Anyway, Edwards's continued presence in the race is keeping everyone honest.

Edwards has sharpened his '04 pitch into a more pointed indictment of those
responsible for the widening gulf between the Two Americas. Edwards paired his
critique with a set of policy proposals that are in line with the progressive
agenda (with the shameful exception of same sex marriage, but I've no doubt
Elizabeth Edwards will right his ship on that one). The proposals are more
generally liberal and forward thinking than any other candidate taller than
4'5".

Further, Edwards staked out positions on Health Care, on the Environment,
on Education, before both Obama and Clinton. He has already had a measurable
impact on the Democratic party, by showing the big money candidates that not
only would it be okay for them to advocate UHC and the like, it would be
politically dangerous for them to hold out much longer. He did it first, and he
did it best (the MSM myth of indistinguishable differences between the
candidates is shattered by actually reading the materials respective campaigns
have written). The next president will not have the luxury of a campaign
competitor to test the waters or think up creative new initiatives to push them
to keep up.

No matter if you attribute Edwards's rhetorical evolution to political
expediency or political maturity. The fact is, he is where he is now, and he has
grabbed the establishment of the party with both hands and pulled it along
(Hillary Clinton referred directly to corporate interests in her victory speech
in NH for the first time I've heard her do so in a major address.)

Yet I am still told that Edwards' campaign, only seven pledge delegates
behind the leader after only two primary contests, is an exercise in vanity. I
am told by voices on this site that Edwards supporters are delusional and are
feeding a power hungry Naderite's elephant sized ego. I am told that all must
hop aboard the Obama train to stop the Clinton machine. Or, alternately, join
with Hillary to save the economy and country from 'Bama the Kid. Above all,
whomever you choose, get away from that crazy man!

Lovely pitch. It's this type of "pitch" from Obama supporters that has
assuaged any guilt or worry of squareness I felt about not being a part of the
spirited support of Obama, or the considerable symbolism that his or Clinton's
election would mark. It is clear from the rabid dumping on Edwards's allies that
Obama's "new kind of politics" is no different from the cynical calculations of
old.

[Read Full Article]

Daytona Beach Paper Endorses Edwards

The Daytona Beach News Journal has endorsed John Edwards for President.

Opinion - Editorial
January 13, 2008
Democrat

Edwards a contender who inspires confidence

Long before this month's Iowa and New Hampshire votes, many Democrats decided experience and "electability" are the most critical considerations in choosing their party's next presidential nominee. But after eight reckless years under George W. Bush, it should be obvious that good judgment, above all, is what this country needs in its next president.

John Edwards, in a strong field of Democratic candidates, best inspires our confidence for his sound judgment and thoughtful preparation on issues that matter to most Americans. His policy proposals are more comprehensive than the other contenders, offering carefully detailed and compelling solutions for health care, job security, the Iraq war, global warming, immigration and more.

Consider for example, his health care proposal: He wants to repeal Bush tax cuts that favor rich Americans and use the money to pay for universal health care. He would require employers to cover their employees or help finance their health insurance.

Additionally, he would lower insurance costs by creating tax credits, expanding Medicaid and coverage for children, reforming insurance laws, and containing health care costs. He would create regional markets to encourage more consumer bargaining power in buying health plans, compel broader choices among insurance plans, and cut costs for businesses offering insurance. Once these are accomplished, Edwards would require all American residents to obtain insurance. It is a bold but realistic reform for this country's crippled market-based system.

The former U.S. senator from North Carolina also scores well on experience and electability. He is clearly the least polarizing of the top Democratic contenders, comporting himself as a defender of regular Americans not just in this race but throughout his career in politics and as a brilliant trial lawyer fighting political machines and corporate ruthlessness. His consistent refusal to accept campaign contributions from lobbyists resonates with his rhetoric on the stump, and, more important, his Senate voting record.

So much of what was great about America has been corrupted by the unprincipled policies of the Bush White House and Republican Congress that catered to wealth and privilege even as they weakened the middle class and abandoned the poor. Edwards grew up in a working-class family, working summers in a textile mill. He was the first in his family to go to college and is more eloquent and believable than the other contenders when each pledges to stand up to big business and other special interests.

He's not capturing national headlines after Barack Obama's win in the Iowa caucus and Hillary Clinton's comeback in New Hampshire last week. But only a small fraction of the primary votes have been cast. Florida Democrats can give Edwards a deserved boost toward the nomination Jan. 29. John Edwards has the intellectual clarity, values, experience, good judgment and message to represent his party well against the Republican challenger in November.

RECOMMENDATION: John Edwards as the Democratic nominee for president.

[View Original]

80+ South Carolina Leaders Endorse Edwards

For a full list of those included in this endorsement announcement visit:
http://www.johnedwards.com/news/headlines/20080111-80-sc-leaders/

More Than 80 South Carolina Leaders Endorse Senator John Edwards

New endorsements build upon Edwards' strong base of support in his home state

Columbia, South Carolina – Today, as Senator John Edwards campaigns in Charleston, the Edwards campaign announced new endorsements from state and local community leaders and released a list of more than 80 South Carolina endorsements from some of the state's most respected leaders. The new endorsements, which include State House Members Karl Allen of Greenville and Vida Miller of Pawleys Island as well as five current mayors, come at a time of growing momentum for the Edwards campaign in the Palmetto State.

As a sign of support and commitment to the state where he was born, Edwards is the first of the Democratic candidates to return to South Carolina following the New Hampshire primary. His homecoming trip to the state included a rally in Clemson, where more than 1,000 supporters came out to welcome back their native son. Edwards also held a rally in Columbia yesterday, and later today he will volunteer with supporters at a Charleston food bank.

Fueled by Edwards' strong finish in the Iowa Caucuses on January 3rd, the Edwards campaign has raised more than one million dollars online in the past week. Edwards leads the Democratic field in both campaign stops and money raised in South Carolina. Edwards is the only Democratic candidate to ever win election in a "red" state, and his campaign boasts an impressive statewide grassroots organization in South Carolina.

Actor James Denton of 'Desperate Housewives' on Edwards

Actor James Denton on John Edwards
A former Tennessee Republican, James Denton explains why he is now a supporter of John Edwards

Why Susan Saradon is Campaigning for John