Chet Edwards For Congress

June 12, 2007
Edwards covers Iraq, immigration, oil

By STEVE SNYDER | Navasota Examiner editor

A good politician knows how to relate well to a crowd.

In the case of Congressman Chet Edwards' speech to a Navasota/Grimes County Chamber of Commerce luncheon May 31, a little joke was in order at the top of the lineup.

"I have good news for you: Neither the U.S. Congress nor the Texas Legislature is in session today," he said.

After that, Edwards got down to brass tacks. He started by avowing Congress is not as partisanly divided as portrayed by national news media stories.

"If all I did was watch national television ... the only impression I would have right now is that we're fighting over Iraq and Attorney General Gonzales ... and it's all partisan," he said. "What I would tell you is ... there are good people on both sides of the aisle but they don't make the news."

Before getting to a discussion of Iraq, and other issues, Edwards went back to a bit more levity, referencing throat surgery he had at the start of the year.

"I could not speak for two months ... and I'm looking to see if we can't get this district in the Guiness Book of World Records ... for longest period of time without a Congressman talking," he said.

September 21, 2006

Truth Test: Taylor Attack Ad II

After launching the first negative television ad of the general election, Van Taylor has followed up with another desperate attack ad that is just as false and uses scare tactics to distort Chet Edwards' record.

Van Taylor Attack ad:

“Chet Edwards is lying. The Congressional Record proves he voted to give food stamps to illegal aliens, but Edwards won't take responsibility.”

The Truth:

Chet Edwards voted for the 1996 Welfare Reform Bill, which is current law, that barred illegal aliens from receiving federal welfare benefits, including food stamps. For reference, see Section 401 of Public Law 104-193, entitled, “Aliens who are not qualified aliens ineligible for Federal public benefits.” (Roll Call Vote 331, 7/18/96, H.R. 3734; Roll Call Vote 383, 7/31/96, H.R. 3734)