Edwards addresses Democratic Convention

By Matt Smith/msmith@trcle.com

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, stressed veterans matters when he addressed attendees of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo., on Wednesday night.

Americans owe a debt of gratitude to troops and veterans, as well as their spouses, children and loved ones, Edwards said.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama honored veterans, Edwards said, by working to pass the new GI education bill and voting for last year’s budget that provides the largest increase in veterans health care funding in the history of the Veterans Administration.

“As president, Barack Obama will responsibly bring our troops home from Iraq, and he’ll make better health care and benefits for veterans a higher priority than tax cuts for Exxon-Mobil and the wealthiest Americans. That’s the change we need and the change our veterans deserve.”

Edwards said he has the “greatest respect” for Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s military service and sacrifice as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

“Yet, millions of veterans and Americans would be surprised and disappointed to find out that Sen. McCain has received failing grades from some of our nation’s most respected veterans’ organizations,” Edwards said. “He has repeatedly voted against health care funding and benefits for his fellow veterans. And, if elected, his plan could lead to the rationing of veterans’ health care.”

Edward’s Republican opponent in the November District 17 Congressional race, Rob Curnock of Waco, called Edwards’ speech less than impressive.

“I thought it was extremely ironic that my opponent would choose to denigrate John McCain on veterans issues and affairs,” Curnock said. “Here’s a guy who epitomizes what an American veteran is really all about. To suggest John McCain would not fund or vote to hurt veterans is an absolutely indefensible position in my opinion.”

Curnock commended Edwards’ efforts to secure funding for veterans’ programs.

“Veterans should get everything promised to them, and all we can give them,” Curnock said. “After all, we wouldn’t be here to give anything if it weren’t for our veterans over the past 240 years.”

Edwards supported measures to cut funding for troops in Iraq, Curnock said, and supported a resolution to block the surge of troops in Iraq, positions that would have lost the war and brought the troops home in defeat.

“Another part of the speech about Barack Obama being ready to lead is something I strongly disagree with,” Curnock said. “In my opinion, John McCain is the obvious choice to be commander in chief. Barack Obama has no business in that position. And I think that’s something where most veterans and citizens of North Texas will agree with me and not my opponent.”

Cleburne attorney and Democrat Bill Conover disagreed.

“I thought Chet did a fantastic job and made us proud,” Conover said. “I’m glad he got the chance to speak at the convention. He’s a moderate Democrat, and he’s putting out that message and why he supports Obama.”

Edwards was briefly touted as a possible running mate for Obama.

“I think he would have made a good vice president,” Conover said. “But I’m glad he’s going to stay here and continue to be our Congressman.”