JOHN EDWARDS- STRONG IDEAS FOR A STRONG AMERICA

Johnny Reid ‘John’ Edwards was born in Seneca, South Carolina on June 10, 1953. First in his family to attend college, Edwards studied textile technology at North Carolina University and went on to gain a degree in law from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1977 he married Elizabeth Anania and together they had four children. Sadly, they lost their son Wade in an automobile accident in 1996. Elizabeth is currently being treated for breast cancer. Edwards is a Methodist.

As a lawyer, Edwards worked as a personal injury attorney and worked for such firms as Dearborn & Ewing in Nashville and Tharrington, Smith & Hargrove in Raleigh. After his son’s death Edwards decided to begin a career in public service and was elected to the US Senate in 1998. In the Senate Edwards served on the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Judiciary. In 2004 he leant his powerful weight to John Kerry’s presidential bid as his running mate.

Edwards voted for the Iraq War, stating that Saddam Hussein was a tyrant and a menace. Later, Edwards apologized for that vote, criticizing President Bush’s handling of the war. He also voted for the Patriot Act. Edwards’ record illustrates that he is pro-choice, pro-affirmative action, and pro-death penalty. He has opposed Bush’s tax cuts and supports the expansion of immigration laws, though he has also worked for tougher border security. He retired from the Senate at the end of his first term to concentrate on his family and future presidential bid.

Edwards brings a considerable talent and understanding of America’s problems to the list of Democratic contenders for president.