Bush's Representative is a Democrat - and his seat is in danger

[Mattforclark]

Chet Edwards, Democratic Representative from Texas's 11th district, is one of 13 Democrats running for re-election this year in districts where Bush got more than 50% of the vote in 2000. But of the 13 endangered Democrats, Edwards lays claim to a unique distinction - he both represents George Bush and can be sure that he will not receive Bush's vote.

Edwards has done a great job representing Central Texas in Congress since 1990, and he is one of only three Democrats that serves on both the important House Budget and Appropriations Committees. Having a Democrat representing Bush creates such interesting quotes as this one recently from the Dallas Morning News during the passage of the Prescription Drug bill:

"Chet Edwards, D-Waco, said he planned to offer new legislation in the House to repeal a provision that prohibits the government from using its huge purchasing power to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to lower spiraling drug costs. "I'm here today to stand up for the senior citizens of Crawford, Texas," said Mr. Edwards, whose congressional district includes the president's 1,600-acre ranch."

In 2002, Edwards won re-election with only 52% of the vote. This will be a close race anyway, but the new campaign finance reform bill means that fund raising is more difficult this time. His seat is also one of the seats threatened by Tom Delay's scheme to redistrict Texas.

So if you want to make sure that Democrats hold on to this house seat, and if you want to make sure that Bush will continue to be represented by a democrat, and if you can, please consider donating to his campaign. It is a worthy cause ;)



http://www.chetedwards.com/

[Gloria]

1. He was up with Ted Kennedy at the rally for Medicare which

was held with the Alliance on Monday (?). He was really fired up and I liked him enormously!

[pruner]

2. maybe Dean can set-up a fundraiser for him

he's planning to raise money for a total of 19-20 congressional seats.