Chet Edwards For Congress - Endorsements

Endorsements for Chet Edwards in 2006

Kat — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:10:38 -0700

Endorsements for Chet Edwards in 2006

Congressman Chet Edwards has received the official endorsement of the following organizations:

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
National Federation of Independent Business
Texas Farm Bureau's AGFUND
Texas Medical Association TEXPAC
Texas Association of Business BACPAC
Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Political Action Committee
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Dallas Morning News
Waco Tribune-Herald
Bryan-College Station Eagle
Hood County News
The Clifton Record
Every Mayor in Johnson County

Clifton Record Endorses Chet

jessica — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 08:37:30 -0700

November 1, 2006
Endorsement for U.S. Representative, District 17
By W. Leon Smith|CLIFTON RECORD

Perhaps no other candidate in the state is as attuned to his district than Congressman Chet Edwards (D), who is being challenged by Guillermo Acosta (L) and Van Taylor (R). And perhaps no other elected Congressman has focused more on issues and his constituency, with the willingness to forego party alliances, than Edwards. Very much an independent thinker and doer, his votes have reflected the sentiments that have been espoused by both major parties, largely depending upon what he hears from the people he represents.

But beyond that, Edwards has spent abundant time in the district, getting to know his constituents on a first-name basis, and helping local citizens access important federal government programs. He has fought tirelessly to save the Waco VA hospital. In Bosque County, he played a crucial role in a recent water pipeline project for the Cities of Clifton and Meridian that will provide for future water needs, and he has fought to better enable regional healthcare on behalf of Goodall-Witcher Healthcare Foundation, as just a couple of examples that could be multiplied many times over in this region of Texas.

Edwards has a solid track record of service and is considered an icon when it comes to fighting for the needs of veterans. If only there were more like him in Congress, returning veterans would more fully see their post-service needs answered.

Edwards genuinely cares about the people of his district and has proved it many times over. He says he likes being a U.S. Representative because at this level you don’t tend to lose touch with the people you serve, you can listen to their needs or concerns and help them, and you can make their voices heard in Washington.

Congressman Edwards has earned our respect, our thanks, and our vote.

Bryan College Station Eagle Endorsement

jessica — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 06:23:50 -0700

October 23, 2006
Eagle Editorial:
U.S. House of Representatives, District 17

Bryan-College Station Eagle
Eagle Editorial |

Texas Congressional District 17 includes Brazos, Grimes, Madison, McLennan, Hill, Bosque, Hood, Somervell and Johnson counties and portions of Robertson, Burleson and Limestone counties. This is the second election cycle for this district since the Legislature redistricted congressional boundaries.

When Brazos County was put in the newly drawn 17th Congressional District slightly more than two years ago, people of this area were quick to warm up to Chet Edwards, who had represented the Waco-Temple-Killeen-Fort Hood area in Congress since 1991. Since winning in the newly configured district two years ago - the only Democrat in Texas targeted by Tom DeLay to do so - Edwards has been a frequent visitor to Brazos County. In fact, he may be a more frequent visitor than even the much-admired U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady when he represented Brazos County.

Edwards certainly was no stranger to this area, having graduated from Texas A&M in 1974. In the past two years he has worked hard with A&M to receive$114 million in federal research dollars, money that was not included in the Bush budget. Edwards has worked with city and county leaders to get $20 million for badly needed highway projects not included in the administration's budget. He is strongly supportive of efforts to keep Americans safe, and he has long been a strong supporter of our troops and veterans. He has led the fight to keep the Veterans Administration hospital open in Waco and has worked to make sure our veterans get all the benefits they were promised.

Taylor is the latest in a series of attack-dog Republicans trying to unseat Edwards.

Personally, Taylor is a pleasant man with a fine background. He served this nation well in the Marines, including during the opening days of the war in Iraq. But he is irritating when he claims such service gives him the "moral imperative" to represent veterans - something Edwards has done extremely well for close to 16 years. Taylor pledges to work to keep the VA hospital in Waco open - again, something Edwards has been working hard to do. Taylor says he would like to expand access for veterans' medical care to include doctors in private practice.

Both Taylor and Edwards support America's efforts in Iraq, and both say it would be wrong to unilaterally pull our troops out of that country until the Iraqis are ready and able to take over.
Taylor says he would work to bring an interstate highway through College Station and Bryan. Edwards already has helped secure funding to build better, safer roads.

Both men also call for securing our border. Taylor favors erecting a fence along a portion of the border with Mexico and employing the latest technology to stop the flow of illegal immigrants. Edwards also favors a wall in certain places and using technology. He calls for hiring 6,000 additional border patrol agents and wants an employee verification system so the government can hold businesses accountable for whom they hire.

Where Taylor gets nasty is in his attack ads. He showed in the spring primary that he is willing to run ads telling partial truths or making claims the facts don't support. Unfortunately, Edwards has responded in kind, and the campaign has devolved into a "did-too, did-not" spitting match.

Efforts to portray Edwards as a typical Democratic liberal just don't hold water. Even a cursory glance at his record shows he is a moderate conservative. He is doing and has been doing for 16 years what Taylor says he wants to do.

We see no reason to dump a good representative for an unproven newcomer.

The Eagle recommends a vote for U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards for re-election.

Hood County News: Chet Edwards deserves your vote

jessica — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 06:15:44 -0700

October 21, 2006
EDITORIAL: Chet Edwards deserves your vote
By Jerry Tidwell|Publisher, Hood County News

Chet Edwards has accomplished great things for Hood County in the two years that he has represented us in Congress. Without question, Edwards deserves another term and needs and deserves your vote.

Edwards has secured $5.75 million in appropriated funds and sent it back to Hood County to help our community with our biggest and most pressing needs. Here are a few
examples of how our congressman is bringing local tax dollars back home:
• Obtaining funding to protect the water quality of Lake Granbury.
• Funding the first phase of airport expansion.
• Twice he has gotten funds to help widen Hwy. 377.

The list goes on, but you get the idea. Edwards is clearly working hard for Hood County and is in touch with community leaders and the needs of our community. During his 35 trips to Hood County he has listened carefully to local citizens and their needs and has responded.

He also lent his support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s $1.4 million grant to develop an integrated action plan to protect the water quality of Lake Granbury.
Edwards' service to Hood County has been invaluable, but his great record far exceeds the boundaries of our county.

He opposes amnesty for illegal aliens and believes it is essential that we strengthen our borders. He has voted numerous times to increase the number of border patrol agents. The congressman has spearheaded the effort to fight the spread of nuclear terrorism by installing nuclear detectors at the busiest foreign ports. Improving security around Russian nuclear weapons materials is also one of his achievements.

Edwards has supported the troops by helping to build better housing on Fort Hood and led the fight in 2001 to shoot down proposals from troop reductions.

All of you know that I am not affiliated with either party. I'm an Independent. I like Chet Edwards' bi-partisan approach. It's desperately needed in Washington, D.C. now. Don't be misled by the attack drivel from Edwards' opponent. If the opponent does have any plans they are mired in the muck of the attack ads and are completely lost.

Join me in voting to re-elect Chet Edwards as our congressman. We need Congressman Edwards to continue to work for the betterment of Hood County.

Group taps Edwards, Orr

jessica — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 07:35:53 -0700

October 18, 2006
Group taps Edwards, Orr

Cleburne Times Review
Special to the Times-Review

WACO —The Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund has endorsed incumbents U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, for the House District 17 seat and state Rep. Rob Orr, R-Burleson, for the Texas House District 58 seat.

“Congressman Edwards has been very effective in watching out for the interests of Central Texas communities and families,” Kenneth Dierschke, Texas Farm Bureau and TFB AGFUND president said. “He was also instrumental in obtaining funding to assist dairy farmers in compliance with overburdening government regulations.”

Edwards, who has served eight terms in Congress, faces Republican Van Taylor in the Nov. 7 election. Edwards held an 89-percent voting record with Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND this session. Orr held a 94-percent successful voting record with Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND on issues important to agriculture and rural Texas during the 79th regular session.

“Representative Orr has championed private property rights, which we all hold dear in farming and ranching,” Dierschke said. “We appreciate all the support he has shown us in the past and look forward to working with him next session.”

Orr has served in the Texas House since 2005. He faces Democrat Greg Kauffman in the race.

AGFUND is Texas Farm Bureau’s political action fund. It is a legal entity separate from the Texas Farm Bureau and may endorse and contribute financially to political candidates. AGFUND is funded only by voluntary contributions from TFB members.

Editorial: Edwards for Congress

jessica — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:54:00 -0700

October 15, 2006
Editorial: Edwards for Congress

Waco Tribune Herald

How, many observers ask, can a district that strongly embraces a Republican president as its resident continue to re-elect a Democratic congressman?

Easy, if the Democrat is Chet Edwards. Easier, if the option is Republican Van Taylor.

The Tribune-Herald editorial board recommends Edwards’ re-election to his ninth term in Congress.

In Edwards and Taylor, Central Texans have contrasts in what it means to be connected.

Edwards has served this area more than two decades in elected office — having represented Greater Waco in the state Senate before. Taylor just moved into the district.

Edwards’ imprint on this community is deep and wide.

His roles have been many: economic development; protecting the Bosque watershed from pollution; finding funding for local projects, including the Lake Waco hike-bike trail; and, of course, leading the charge to save the Waco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

As a congressman, Edwards has been principled. As one of only five members of Congress holding spots on both the House Budget and House Appropriations Committee, he is in a unique position to influence federal spending and to be a voice of moderation and austerity.

An advocate of a balanced budget amendment, he has been a strong spokesman for fiscal sanity — often opposing politically popular tax breaks.

He has stood up against those who seek to get government into the religion business.

On national defense, his experience is immense, co-chairing the bipartisan House Army Caucus.

Taylor’s campaign has been characterized by attacks that twist the truth into pretzel form. Nothing in Edwards’ voting record suggests he is a pushover on immigration or on deporting illegal aliens who have committed crimes. Yet Taylor has tried to make this matter his centerpiece.

Taylor has run an aggressive campaign, with a lot of door-to-door engagement. But he would have to go to a lot more doors to match the impact that Edwards has made as a member of the Central Texas community.

Edwards’ centrist political stances and ability to tend to community and constituent needs are key reasons why the Republican Party has failed to dislodge him, even after redrawing his district out from under him and taking away the Fort Hood area, where his support was strong.

Edwards deserves re-election because he is effective and connected.

Second Major Newspaper Endorses Chet

jessica — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 08:08:27 -0700

October 11, 2006
We Recommend Chet Edwards in U.S. House District 17

Dallas Morning News
Editorial | The Dallas Morning News

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.

Mr. Edwards' steady, pro-defense record and years of dependable service to constituents are reasons enough to return the Democrat to Congress for a ninth term. The fitness of his Republican opponent, Van Taylor, is another reason.

The battle in District 17 – which stretches from Cleburne to Crawford, Waco and College Station – has become one of the nation's most expensive House races.

Mr. Taylor, 34, a Waco real estate investor and Iraq war veteran, is one of the GOP's top prospects for knocking off a sitting Democrat. A district newcomer – he says he moved to the district 16 months ago – he's received an infusion of outside money and fundraising help.

But that hasn't helped Mr. Taylor's grasp of the issues. In an interview, he stressed an urgent need to trim spending but was vague on where to start, despite several invitations to outline priorities. On immigration, he opposed "amnesty," yet lacked a thought-out proposal and was unclear about ideas on the table in Washington.

Credibility is another concern. Mr. Edwards, 54, of Waco, says his opponent has used Willie Horton-like ads, a charge close to the mark. The ads say one Edwards vote helped dangerous immigrants avoid deportation, including some who later committed "rape and murder." That's a stretch. The measure in question threatened Homeland Security money for cities; Mr. Edwards voted with most of the Republican-dominated House.

Mr. Edwards' centrist politics have helped him survive as a Democrat in GOP territory and build seniority that helps his district. His senior position on the House Appropriations Committee gives him muscle in the fight for Waco's threatened VA center.

He favors a balanced approach to immigration that seeks security plus guest worker provisions. He also calls for a bipartisan summit to attack the deficit and favors a wise pay-as-you-go approach to federal spending.

Libertarian Guillermo Acosta, 30, of Allen, lives outside the district. Saying people should be "happy," he supports amnesty for all immigrants, marriage for gays, legalization of marijuana and replacing taxes with fees.

VFW PAC Endorses Edwards, Local Vets Rally

jessica — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 20:24:40 -0700

October 9, 2006
Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC Endorses Edwards,
Local Veterans, Retired Generals Rally Behind Edwards

Waco – Today, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Political Action Committee officially endorsed Congressman Chet Edwards’ re-election to Congress. During three events across the 17th Congressional District, local veterans, veterans leaders and prominent retired generals all joined Edwards in marking the important endorsement.

Alexander Vernon, the former State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for Texas, announced the endorsement, saying, “America’s veterans have no greater friend and no stronger an ally than Congressman Chet Edwards. Because of his leadership, dedication and tireless work on behalf of veterans, he has made sure that promises made have been promises kept. That’s why the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC is proud to endorse Chet Edwards for reelection.”

Vernon was joined by retired three-star Generals Pete Taylor and Randy House at the events on Monday. Gen. Taylor is a former Fort Hood and III Corps Commander. Two additional former Fort Hood and III Corps commanding generals also heartily endorsed Edwards.

“In 39 years of military and public service I have never known an elected official who cares so much for our servicemembers and their families. Chet is a leader in fighting for a strong national defense and the well-being of those who serve. He has my full and heartfelt support,” retired four-star General Tom Schwartz said, former Commander in Chief of U.S. Forces Korea.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Paul “Butch” Funk added, “Chet Edwards has been a proud defender of the military and our needs for as long as I’ve known him. It’s because of Chet that Fort Hood families have better housing and better education opportunities today. With Chet in Washington, I know our soldiers and their families are assured a stalwart advocate to who fight for their best interests.”

Edwards has received top awards and recognitions from the Military Coalition, the Association of the U.S. Army and the American Legion, among other veterans and military retirees groups, for his work to stop the downsizing of the Army in 2001, improve military family housing on bases and standing up to both Democratic and Republican Administrations when they tried to gut education funding for the children of military families.

In accepting the endorsement, Edwards said, “I know I can never give as much back to veterans and military families as they have given to our nation. As the son of a World War II veteran and someone whose mentor was another great World War II veteran, Congressman Tiger Teague, I believe that our nation has a solemn commitment to our veterans and military retirees and I have worked hard to ensure that we keep that promise. I am proud to have earned the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC endorsement through my work to strengthen the VA Healthcare System, to end the disabled veterans tax, reform the survivor benefits plan and keep the Waco VA Hospital open.”

Below are additional comments about Edwards’ work on behalf of veterans and U.S. servicemen and women from veterans and military leaders:

John Brieden, Veterans Advocate (Brazos Valley):

“In my years of veterans advocacy I have found the support of Chet Edwards to be dependable and rock solid. Chet always stands up to defeat attempts to raise premiums, raise co-pays, charge enrollment fees, cut services, close the Waco hospital or under-fund the VA medical services. Because of Chet's tireless work on behalf of America's veterans and the men and women serving today, I call him an ‘unsung hero.’ We need Chet Edwards in Congress and I am proud to give him my support today.”

Major General (Ret.) Chris Adams, USAF (Granbury):

“I am a conservative Republican, but I know of no greater advocate for our men and women in uniform than Chet Edwards. From equipment and training for our troops in the field today to keeping our promises to the troops after they come home, Chet has worked hard for all of us, active duty and retired, and I am proud to call him my friend and give him my full support for re-election.”

Kathryn Henson, Former State Commander, Disabled American Veterans (Waco):

“I cannot say enough about the work Chet has done for our veterans and their families. He has fought tirelessly at both the national level, where he fought to eliminate the disabled veterans tax, and here at home, where he has worked to keep the Waco VA Hospital open. With Chet in our corner, veterans and their families know that they always have a powerful friend fighting for them.”

Clayton Hueske, Former State Commander, American Legion (Waco):

“When the American Legion gave Chet its ‘Unsung Heroes’ award two years ago, I was proud to support him and sing his praises. It is a task I gladly continue today and will never tire of, just as Chet will never tire in his efforts to support our veterans and ensure that this nation always keeps its promises to our veterans and their families.”

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Edwards Receives Major Newspaper Endorsement

jessica — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 12:44:20 -0700

October 6, 2006
U.S. House District 17

Fort Worth Star Telegram
| Star-Telegram Editorial Board

Chet Edwards brings experience, understanding and the closest thing to statesmanship one can find in Washington these days.

In his more than 15 years representing Central Texas, Edwards has distinguished himself through his passion for the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

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. He is the senior Democrat on the Veterans Affairs and Military Quality of Life Appropriations subcommittee and co-chairs the bipartisan House Army Caucus. He also serves on the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee.

Van Taylor of West, Edwards' Republican challenger, is a personable and likable young man who deserves thanks for serving his country in the Marines, with duties in Iraq and along the Texas-Mexico border as part of Joint Task Force 6. Taylor, 34, should be encouraged to continue his education into the issues beyond the war on terror that are important to District 17 -- land and water use, agriculture, environment and education.

Although military affairs have been a hallmark of Edwards' political work, his interests extend to other areas. He is a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees key homeland defense and university research programs, and he has long been outspoken on the issues of church-state separation and open government.

What Edwards is not is a party ideologue.

Project Vote Smart, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that collects voting information on elected officials, releases annual evaluations from special interest groups that indicate how often a member of Congress votes with the groups' preferred positions. Edwards' score card makes clear that the Waco congressman thinks for himself and is not a functionary of the party.

In the 2006 Voter's Self-Defense Manual published by PVS, Edwards received 100 percent ratings on educational issues from the National PTA, senior and social issues from the Alliance for Retired Americans and veterans' issues from Disabled American Veterans.

The conservative Eagle Forum rated Edwards at 53 percent; the liberal Americans for Democratic Action rated him at 85 percent. (For context, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, rated a 20 percent from Eagle Forum and 100 percent from the ADA; U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Abilene, rated a 87 percent from Eagle Forum and 0 from the ADA.)

Edwards, 54, received that Eagle Forum rating in part for votes such as the one he cast right before lawmakers headed home for pre-Election Day campaigning. Edwards was part of the majority in the House vote that would make it a federal crime to transport a minor across state lines for an abortion to evade a law in her home state.

The Star-Telegram recommends Chet Edwards for U.S. House District 17.

U.S Chamber of Commerce and NFIB endorse Chet Edwards

Kat — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 22:09:03 -0700

Thursday and Friday, August 24-25, 2006 – Chet held press events in Waco, College Station, Cleburne and Granbury announcing U.S Chamber of Commerce and NFIB’s endorsement of his campaign.

Click on an image to enlarge