Chet Edwards For Congress

October 16, 2006
Edwards Reports Huge 11-to-1 Cash Advantage Over Taylor
Taylor has to loan his campaign $100,000

Waco – Congressman Chet Edwards’ campaign filed its October Quarterly Federal Elections Commission (FEC) reported Sunday, reporting $1.145 million cash-on-hand as of Sept. 30th. Meanwhile, the Van Taylor campaign reported just $102,495 cash-on-hand, despite a $100,000 loan from Taylor to his campaign.

“With a 21-point lead in the polls, a $1 million cash-on-hand advantage, and the endorsement of conservative groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, the Texas Farm Bureau’s AGFUND and the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC, our grassroots campaign is building bipartisan momentum every day,” said Edwards. The FEC reports cover the period of July 1st – September 30th, during which time Edwards raised $632,935, spent $1,087,179 and ended with $1,144,692 on hand.

“Chet’s record of independent-minded effectiveness for our district is clearly trumping Van Taylor’s negative attacks, which the Dallas Morning News described as ‘slash-and-burn campaigning,’” said Edwards Communications Director Jessica Schafer. “Voters should batten down the hatches because the farther Mr. Taylor falls behind, the more desperate his misleading personal attacks have become in direct mail and over the airwaves, as evidenced by the Waco Tribune Herald’s editorial that said Taylor’s attacks ‘twist the truth into pretzel form.’”

Every major newspaper covering the district that has made an endorsement in this race has endorsed Edwards. On Oct. 6th, the Fort Worth Star Telegram wrote that, “Chet Edwards brings experience, understanding and the closest thing to statesmanship one can find in Washington these days.” They noted that, “From championing investments in the nation's military infrastructure to voicing concerns about healthcare for veterans, Edwards has been a constant advocate for the country's military personnel.”

On Oct. 11th, the Dallas Morning News took note of Taylor’s negative campaign as it endorsed Edwards for reelection: “Central Texas stalwart Chet Edwards is being challenged for his seat in Congress this year by a rookie who’s long on cash and slash-and-burn campaigning but short on answers.” Identifying Taylor as “a district newcomer” the editorial board noted that outside money and fundraising help “hasn't helped Mr. Taylor’s grasp of the issues.” The editorial noted that Taylor’s answers were “vague” and raised concerns about Taylor’s credibility.

In their endorsement, the Dallas Morning News editorial board highlighted Edwards’ “steady, pro-defense record and years of dependable service to constituents” and noting that his “senior position on the House Appropriations Committee gives him muscle in the fight for Waco’s threatened VA center.”

In addition, on Sunday, the Waco Tribune-Herald also endorsed Edwards over Taylor, saying the election decision was “easy” given Edwards’ record of effective service for the district. The editorial board also noted, “Taylor’s campaign has been characterized by attacks that twist the truth into pretzel form.”

Edwards also has a commanding 21-point lead in the race according to a poll of 400 likely voters conducted October 9-10 by the respected Washington, DC polling firm of Bennett, Petts and Blumenthal. The poll shows Edwards leading Taylor 54% - 33% and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.

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