Chet Edwards For Congress - Pressroom

11 Johnson County Mayors Endorse Edwards

jessica — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 11:57:51 -0700

October 18, 2006
11 Johnson County Mayors Endorse Edwards

Cleburne – This morning every mayor in Johnson County announced their public endorsement of Congressman Chet Edwards for re-election. The mayors of Cleburne, Burleson, Alvarado, Briar Oaks, Cross Timber, Godley, Grandview, Joshua, Keene, Rio Vista and Venus all signed a letter of endorsement at Edwards’ campaign headquarters in Cleburne.

Cleburne Mayor Ted Reynolds said, “Chet Edwards is a man of action, not promises. He said he would open the first ever congressional office here in Cleburne, and he did just that. He has been more responsive to our community and our needs than any member of Congress I’ve seen. I am endorsing Chet because I know he will continue to serve as an independent bipartisan leader who puts the health and safety of our families and children above partisan politics.”

“I am proud to stand with Chet Edwards and support him in this election because he has proven to be an effective, hard-working congressman who works on a bi-partisan basis and has the record to prove it. Put simply, Chet Edwards puts his district above partisan politics every time,” added Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter.

Since opening the first congressional office ever in Johnson County when he took office in January of 2005, Edwards has visited the county an average of once every two weeks, visiting with local community leaders, businesspeople and elected officials. Edwards’ strong record of effective work for Johnson County in the short time he has represented the area in Congress has earned him broad bipartisan support in this campaign.

“The choice in this race for Congress is clear. In the two short years Chet has represented Johnson County, he has made a lasting impression by working to reopen Ham Creek Park, improve our roads and stop our anti-drug taskforce from shutting down,” said Johnson County Commissioner R.C. McFall. “Chet has proven that he has the independence to stand up and fight for the issues that are most important to the people of Johnson County and I am proud to support him.”

“Over the past two years I have been proud to represent the people of Johnson County and I am proud of my strong working relationships with the communities here. By listening to you, learning from you and working with you, our office has worked to improve the quality of life for all the families living here. These endorsements from local elected officials are another sign of the broad bipartisan momentum behind our campaign, but more than that, thier support means a lot to me personally and I have enjoyed working with each and every one of them. I look forward to continuing to use my seniority in Congress to work with you to improve life for Johnson County families,” said Edwards.

Every mayor of every town within Johnson County announced their public support of Edwards today. Besides Reynolds and Shetter, that list includes Mayors Tom Durington of Alvarado, James Dunn of Briar Oaks, Wava McCullough of Cross Timber, David Wallis of Godley, Brandon Wright of Grandview, Merle Breitenstein of Joshua, Gary Heinrich of Keene, Russell Green of Rio Vista and Carolyn Welcher of Venus.

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NRCC Pulls the Plug on the Taylor Campaign

jessica — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:57:49 -0700

October 17, 2006
NRCC Pulls the Plug on the Taylor Campaign
After conducting its own poll, NRCC pulls ad buy in support of Taylor

Waco – In a devastating blow to the Van Taylor campaign, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has canceled its planned television ad buy of over $1.5 million after conducting a poll in TX-17. The news followed on the heels of the Taylor campaign’s October Quarterly Federal Elections Commission (FEC) report which showed just $102,495 cash-on-hand as of Sept. 30th, while Congressman Chet Edwards’ campaign had an 11:1 cash-on-hand advantage, with $1.14 million in the bank.

According to an October 12th independent expenditure report with the FEC, the NRCC paid for a poll of the Edwards-Taylor race last week. Groups such as the NRCC are required to report independent expenditures to the FEC within 24 hours.

According to five television stations in the DFW market, the NRCC on Monday canceled its planned television ad buy on behalf of Taylor. The cancelled Taylor buy was valued at over $1.5 million and was scheduled to run in the last two weeks of the campaign.

“Two years ago, the NRCC ran over a million dollars of ads in the DFW market alone in support of Chet’s opponent. Mr. Taylor can spin the bad news any way he wants, but the fact is that after reviewing its own poll last week, the NRCC has pulled the plug on the Van Taylor campaign,” said Edwards Communication Director, Jessica Schafer. “That’s not just bad news, that’s devastating news for a campaign that was already in trouble.”

“With a 21 point lead in the polls and a more than ten-to-one cash-on-hand advantage, we have both the resources and momentum to aggressively communicate Chet’s positive message of effective, hard work for the people of the 17th District and get out the vote across the district,” added Schafer.

Timeline: The Taylor Tail-Spin

August 24, 2006: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) both announce their endorsement of Edwards for re-election. The endorsements represent a blow to the Van Taylor campaign since both nonpartisan organizations generally endorse Republicans, including Edwards’ 2004 opponent, Arlene Wohlgemuth. The Texas Business Association’s political action committee, BACPAC, also announces its endorsement of Edwards.

September 1, 2006: The Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund (AGFUND) endorses Edwards. Considered a conservative organization, the TFB AGFUND endorsement is highly sought after and is another sign of the momentum and strong local support behind Edwards’ campaign.

September 29, 2006: The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) refuses to endorse Taylor over Edwards, despite having endorsed Edwards’ opponents in the last three elections. The NRA-PVF also awards Edwards a “B” grade for his strong support of the Second Amendment.

October 6, 2006: The Fort Worth Star Telegram endorses Edwards, writing that, “Chet Edwards brings experience, understanding and the closest thing to statesmanship one can find in Washington these days….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.”

October 9, 2006: The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Political Action Committee endorses Edwards during a district-wide tour to launch Edwards’ “Vets for Chet” group. Vets for Chet includes more than 500 veterans in the 17th District. Three Former Fort Hood and III Corps Commanders and the former State Commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans also endorse Edwards.

October 11, 2006: The Dallas Morning News endorses Edwards, highlighting his “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.” The paper also notes that Taylor is a “rookie who’s long on cash and slash-and-burn campaigning but short on answers” and raises concerns about Taylor’s credibility.

October 12, 2006: The Edwards campaign reports that he 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%.

October 15, 2006: The Waco Tribune-Herald becomes the third major newspaper serving the district to endorse Edwards over Taylor, saying the election decision was “easy” given Edwards’ record of effective service for the district. The editorial board also points out “Taylor’s campaign has been characterized by attacks that twist the truth into pretzel form.”

October 15, 2006: The Taylor campaign posts a weak October quarterly FEC report, showing just $102,495 cash-on-hand after having raised just $223,147 during the quarter and being propped up by a $100,000 loan by Taylor to his campaign. Edwards’ campaign shows strong momentum with $1,144,692 cash-on-hand after raising $632,935 during the quarter. The Edwards campaign has raised over $2.7 million through September 30th of this year, an increase of over $600,000 at this same point in the last campaign cycle.

October 16, 2005: The National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) cancels its planned television ad buy in support of Taylor, worth more than $1.5 million in the DFW media market.

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Edwards Reports Huge 11-to-1 Cash Advantage Over Taylor

jessica — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:54:24 -0700

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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Poll: Edwards has Commanding 21-point Lead over Taylor

jessica — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 15:52:12 -0700

October 12, 2006
Poll: Edwards has Commanding 21-point Lead over Taylor
With just 26 days to go, Edwards’ momentum surging as
major newspaper endorsements roll in

Waco – Entering the final stretch of the race for Congress in Texas’ 17th Congressional District, Congressman Chet Edwards leads opponent Van Taylor by a commanding margin of 21 points. The poll of 400 likely voters shows Edwards at 54% and Taylor at 33% with 12% undecided. The poll was conducted October 9-10 by the respected Washington, DC polling firm of Bennett, Petts and Blumenthal and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.

“Congressman Edwards has consistently led his opponent by a wide margin throughout this campaign,” Edwards campaign pollster Anna Bennett said. “In fact, Congressman Edwards’ lead over Taylor has actually increased since April of this year.”

“Despite a month of negative attack ads from Van Taylor, Taylor has been unable to gain traction, and with four weeks to go until the election, his negative campaign is turning off voters in the 17th District,” Bennett said.

The poll also shows strong underlying numbers for Edwards: 56% of voters have a favorable impression of Edwards, while only 18% have un unfavorable impression. In contrast, only 24% view Taylor favorably, while 29% have an unfavorable view of the challenger. Edwards leads Taylor in all geographic regions of the district.

“This poll is another indication of our strong momentum and that Republicans, Democrats and Independents recognize Chet’s hard work on behalf of the district,” said Edwards campaign spokeswoman Jessica Schafer. “Whether he’s fighting to save the Waco VA Hospital, improve water quality in Lake Waco, bring research funding to Baylor and Texas A&M or improve roads in Johnson and Hood Counties, voters recognize that Chet has been an independent-minded and effective voice in Congress.”

“We fully expect Taylor to ultimately climb above 40% of the vote in this election, but given his low poll numbers at this late date in the campaign, voters should brace themselves for even more petty, personal attacks in the next four weeks,” Schafer said. “Given Taylor’s negative TV ads over the last month and his non-stop attacks in last weekend’s debate, it is apparent that he has given up on trying to convince voters he would make a good congressman and is instead determined to attack Chet at every possible turn.”

On Wednesday, 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.

The Dallas Morning News endorsed Edwards highlighting his “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.”

The Fort Worth Star Telegram also endorsed Edwards, writing on Friday, Oct. 6th 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.”

Adding to Edwards’ momentum as Election Day nears, the respected Capitol Hill newspaper, Roll Call, which had previously rated the race as a “toss-up” and “Leans Democratic” upgraded its assessment to “Likely Democratic” in their October 10th election preview. Noting “[Taylor’s] campaign doesn’t appear to have gained traction,” Roll Call points out that Edwards defied the odds in 2004 and “should do it again.”

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VOTER ALERT: AARP Warns TX GOP, Van Taylor to Stop ...

Kat — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 17:41:59 -0700

VOTER ALERT: AARP Warns TX GOP, Van Taylor to Stop False Mailings

A direct mail piece sent to voters in the 17th District falsely attacks Chet Edwards on Social Security, claiming:

…on a recently released candidate survey, Democrat Chet Edward (sic) stated he supports “benefit formula changes” and “indexing the age of full benefits” for Social Security.

The mail piece, a collaboration of the Texas Republican Party and the Van Taylor campaign, cites the “AARP 2006 Candidate’s Survey” as the source of these direct quotes. However, these direct quotes do not occur anywhere in the entire text of the AARP Candidate survey and answers. (See the survey here: http://www.aarp.org/issues/ state_elections/race_display.html?race_id=438)

When asked about the mailer, Van Taylor stood by it, saying, “It is well-documented, factual and correct.” (Waco Tribune-Herald, Oct. 10, 2006)

In response to this gross misuse of their name and survey, the AARP sent the following letter to the Texas Republican Party and the following press release to the media, saying

“Don’t play politics with AARP’s name”

and calling for an immediate stop to the distribution of the erroneous information.

Click here for a PDF copy of the AARP press release.

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 Renews Positive Campaign Offer to Taylor

jessica — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 20:19:47 -0700

October 6, 2006
Edwards Renews Offer, Asks Taylor to Reconsider
Running Positive Campaign

Waco – Today, Congressman Chet Edwards asked his opponent, Van Taylor, to reconsider his decision to continue running negative attack advertisements. During a television interview aired last night on KBTX in Bryan-College Station, Edwards asked Taylor to join him in pledging to take down current negative ads and run only positive, issues-based campaign advertisements for the duration of their election contest and to ask any third parties to either stay out of the race or also run positive advertisements and direct mail pieces.

In response to Edwards’ good-faith offer, Taylor’s campaign manager was quoted on KBTX as saying, “To me, this offer really reminds me of a school yard bully backing down from a fight once someone holds their ground against them. This guy has made a living of tearing his opponents apart, and he's got more than he can handle on his hands right now. The people of Central Texas deserve to know his voting record.”

“I believe the voters of this district deserve and want a positive campaign based on important issues, and I sincerely hope he will reconsider and sign the positive campaign pledge with me. The voters of our district deserve a positive, issues-based discussion. That’s why I started out in August and September running television ads focused on my record of independent-minded and effective work for our district. I want to go back to talking about the work I’ve done to help our military, improve our homeland security, keep the Waco VA Hospital open and fight for Texas A&M. These are the issues voters want to hear about,” said Edwards.

After running two TV ads focused on the work Edwards did to keep our military strong and improve homeland and border security, the Edwards campaign was running a third ad about the fight to keep the Waco Veterans Administration Hospital open when Taylor launched the first negative attack ad of the general election.

“When Mr. Taylor launches a negative ad that misleads voters about my record, I have a responsibility to respond and set the record straight. However, I don’t like negative campaigns any more than the voters, which is why I asked Mr. Taylor to join me in signing a positive campaign pledge. If he will do so, we can change the tone of this campaign in a positive way that will be respected by voters, regardless of party affiliation,” added Edwards.

NRA Refuses to Endorse Taylor, Awards Edwards a 'B' Grade

jessica — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 12:59:15 -0700

September 29, 2006
In Another Blow to Taylor Campaign, NRA Refuses to Endorse Him
Edwards Receives “B” for strong support of Second Amendment

Waco – Today, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) refused to endorse challenger Van Taylor against Congressman Chet Edwards, despite having endorsed Edwards’ opponents in the last three elections. The NRA-PVF also awarded Edwards a “B” grade for his strong support of the Second Amendment.

“As a lifelong gun owner and hunter, I have great respect for the Second Amendment and the rights of gun owners. I am proud to have voted with the NRA 100% of the time on gun issues in the last five years, including protecting gun manufacturers from civil liability and opposing gun registration,” said Edwards.

“Mr. Taylor’s failure to win the NRA-PVF endorsement is another great victory for our campaign, since the NRA has endorsed my last three opponents.”

Failing to receive the NRA endorsement is another devastating blow for Taylor and continues a trend of conservative-leaning groups that usually endorse Republicans either staying out of the race or choosing to endorse Edwards. Last month, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Texas Association of Business’ BACPAC endorsed Edwards. The three business groups had all endorsed Edwards’ 2004 opponent, Arlene Wohlgemuth.

Edwards has been a hunter since he was 10 years old and frequently takes his two young sons out to learn how to shoot and handle firearms. For the last few years, Edwards has sponsored a hunt for the Texas Wildlife Association's Youth Hunting Program. During these hunts, Edwards has brought young people together from all across the district to share in the Texas heritage of hunting.

Edwards has a strong record with the NRA. He has repeatedly co-sponsored the NRA’s top legislative priority, the DC Personal Protection Act, which would allow people living in the District of Columbia the right to keep firearms in their homes in order to protect their families. In addition, Edwards:

• Supported allowing the assault weapons ban to expire in 2004.
• Opposes federal firearm owner licensing and registration.
• Supports barring civil liability against firearm manufacturers and dealers.
• Believes background checks at gun shows should be timely and protect the privacy of gun buyers and vendors
• Supports Right-to-Carry reciprocity legislation.
• Supports independent evaluation of universal ballistic testing programs.
• Opposes banning ammunition magazines
• Opposes new waiting periods for handguns.
• Believes no records should be maintained on any lawful gun buyer.
• Supports restoration of Second Amendment rights for the District of Columbia.

Truth Test: Taylor Attack Ad II

Kat — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:25:11 -0700

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)

Van Taylor Attack Ad:

“…Chet Edwards voted to protect illegal aliens who were arrested for a crime from deportation, allowing them to be released on bail. Some have committed heinous crimes including rape and murder.”

The Truth:

This is an outrageous and false claim. Chet Edwards voted to end “catch and release” practices when he voted for the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act on Dec. 16, 2005. This bill ensures any incarcerated illegal aliens are not released back into local communities and are removed from the United States after serving their sentences. For references, see Section 223, “Institutional Removal Program”, and Section 225, “State Authorization for Assistance in the Enforcement of Immigration Laws Encouraged”. (Roll Call Vote 661, 12/16/2005, H.R. 4437).

Votes cited in Van Taylor's ad do not support his claims:

Van Taylor Attack Ad:

Displays image of Congressional Record page H5608, which displays Roll Call Vote 367 (7/13/04) to support false claim that, “…The Congressional Record proves he voted to give food stamps to illegal aliens…”. ”

The Truth:

This vote, which Taylor used in his last false attack ad, did not give food stamps to illegal aliens or have any impact on current law at all. Taylor continues to offer no substantiation whatsoever for his false claims.

Roll Call 367 (7/13/04): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the FY05 Agriculture Appropriations Act

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law, which already prohibited food stamps going to illegal aliens. Edwards voted for that prohibition in the 1996 Welfare Reform bill on 7/31/1996. During debate, Rep. Tancredo even admitted his amendment would not change current law in any way: “Rep. Kaptur: '…for the record, does the gentleman's amendment in any way change existing law regarding immigration and food stamp eligibility?'…Rep. Tancredo: 'It does not.'” (Congressional Record, 7/13/04)

Amendment failed by a vote of 156-262, with even the Republican Chairman of the subcommittee that wrote the underlying bill, Rep. Henry Bonilla (TX), voting against this amendment.

Van Taylor Attack Ad:

Cites Roll Call votes 262 (6/16/05), 177 (5/17/05), 341 (7/8/04), 270 (6/18/04) and 309 (6/24/03) to back up the false claim that “…Chet Edwards voted to protect illegal aliens who were arrested for a crime from deportation, allowing them to be released on bail.”

Roll Call 262 (6/16/05): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the Science, State, Justice, Commerce Departments Appropriations Act.

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law and would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. The amendment simply states that funds cannot be used in any manner against the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, a law that Chet Edwards supported. During debate over the amendment, Rep. Tancredo admitted, “My amendment does not make any new laws or create any new penalty or change any laws on the books.” (Congressional Record, 6/16/2005)

Amendment failed by a vote of 204-222.

Roll Call 177 (5/17/05): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law and would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. The amendment simply states that funds cannot be used in any manner against the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, a law that Chet Edwards supported. Rep. Tancredo admitted during debate, “The law is on the books; I am not creating law here.” (Congressional Record, 5/17/2005)

Amendment failed by a vote of 165-258

Roll Call 341 (7/8/04): Amendment by Rep. King to the Commerce, State, Justice Departments Appropriations Act.

This amendment would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. This misplaced amendment attempted to take money from the Department of Justice to fund current laws, which Chet Edwards supports, that encourage local officials to work with Federal immigration enforcement agents. However, as Republican Congressman Frank Wolf said during debate, “Enforcement of this section of the immigration law is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security…No agency funded in this bill has that responsibility. The gentleman should have done the amendment on the right bill… it just does not fit.” (Congressional Record, 7/08/2004)

Amendment failed by a vote of 139-278.

Roll Call 270 (6/18/04): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law and would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. The amendment simply states that funds cannot be used in any manner against the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, a law that Chet Edwards supported. Rep. Tancredo admitted during debate, “This amendment does not change the law, it does not repeal the law, it does not add anything to the law.” (Congressional Record, 6/18/2004)

Amendment failed by a vote of 148-259.

Roll Call 309 (6/24/03): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

This amendment would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. The amendment took away all port security, airport security, first responder, disaster and other Department of Homeland Security funds from states and cities if they were not in complete compliance with a specific provision of immigration law about sharing information between local and federal officials. While Chet Edwards supported and voted for the immigration law, he joined the overwhelming majority of House members who refused to leave states and cities vulnerable to terrorist attacks by supporting this amendment.

Amendment failed by a vote of 102-322.

Truth Test: Taylor Attack Ad

jessica — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 18:48:57 -0700

September 15, 2006

Truth Test: Taylor Attack Ad

Van Taylor has launched the first attack television ad of the 2006 general election campaign. Taylor’s attack ad is patently false, purposefully distorts Chet Edwards’ record and fails a basic truth test.

Van Taylor Attack ad:

“Chet Edwards voted to give taxpayer-funded welfare benefits, including food stamps, to illegal aliens.”

The Truth:

Chet Edwards voted for the 1996 Welfare Reform Bill, which is now 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)

Van Taylor Attack Ad:

Taylor’s attack ad cites Edwards’ votes on Roll Call 367 (7/13/04), Roll Call 74 (3/20/96) and Roll Call 75 (3/20/96) to back up his false claim that “Chet Edwards voted to give taxpayer-funded welfare benefits, including food stamps, to illegal aliens.”

The Truth:

This is a false claim.

Roll Call 367 (7/13/04): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the FY05 Agriculture Appropriations Act

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law, which already prohibited food stamps going to illegal aliens. Edwards voted for that prohibition in the 1996 Welfare Reform bill on 7/31/1996.

During debate, Rep. Tancredo even admitted his amendment would not change current law in any way: “Rep. Kaptur: ‘…for the record, does the gentleman's amendment in any way change existing law regarding immigration and food stamp eligibility?’…Rep. Tancredo: ‘It does not.’” (Congressional Record, 7/13/04)

Edwards voted against this redundant amendment

Roll Call 74 (3/20/96): Amendment by Rep. Velazquez to the Immigration Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996
This amendment was written to ensure that children who are U.S. citizens were not denied legal benefits by the underlying bill.

The amendment deleted a section of the underlying bill that would have denied U.S. children their legal benefits on the basis of their parents’ immigration status. Velazquez noted that without her amendment, the bill “makes it virtually impossible for many American children to receive public benefits.” She went on to cite Republican Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York who said the section was “punitive and will result in enormous costs to State and local governments.” (Congressional Record, 3/20/96) This amendment would not have changed current law prohibiting welfare benefits, including food stamps, for illegal immigrant children.

Edwards voted for this amendment because he did not want to deny legal benefits to children who are U.S. citizens.

Roll Call 75 (3/20/96): Amendment by Rep. Gallegly to the Immigration Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996
This clearly unconstitutional amendment claimed it would cut off public education benefits for illegal immigrant children.

However, this amendment was in clear violation of the 1982 Supreme Court decision, Plyer v. Doe, which said making access to education dependent on immigration status is a violation of the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. (Decided June 15, 1982) Passing clearly unconstitutional provisions is a false promise, because they have no impact overall.

Edwards voted against this unconstitutional amendment because the U.S. Constitution makes it clear that no bill passed by Congress can override constitutional protections.

Van Taylor Attack ad:

“Democrat Chet Edwards bragged about his negative campaign, calling it ‘political jujitsu,’ saying ‘you take your opponent’s greatest strength and you turn it into their worst nightmare. Chet Edwards may think it’s funny to brag about his mean-spirited campaign…”

The Truth:

Van Taylor’s ad completely misrepresents a statement made in the Congressional Quarterly Weekly on Feb. 4, 2005. Edwards neither bragged nor laughed about negative campaigning, and was not even referring to negative campaigning in his comment. Van Taylor’s ad intentionally misleads voters into thinking that Edwards’ comments referred to his 2006 campaign when in fact, the statement referred solely to the 2004 campaign against Arlene Wohlgemuth.

The “political jujitsu” Edwards’ comment refers to was his 2004 response to Mrs. Wohlgemuth’s false claims that she had not cut any health care services and had saved Texas taxpayers $1.1 billion dollars with her reform of the Texas Health and Human Services law. Jujitsu is a self-defense method that uses the strength of an adversary against him. Edwards was able to use the truth about Mrs. Wohlgemuth’s cuts to the Children's Health Insurance Program against her: Texas lost $500 million in federal funding and thousands of children lost health care services due to Mrs. Wohlgemuth’s legislation.

Below is the excerpt from the Congressional Quarterly Weekly article referencing Mrs. Wohlgemuth’s false claims:

"But Edwards moved quickly to turn the issue into a general election campaign liability for his opponent. He says he borrowed from the strategy of 'political jujitsu' made famous by the president and Karl Rove, Bush’s top political adviser and a central figure in the GOP’s rise to dominance in Texas. 'I took a page out of the Bush-Rove book,' Edwards says. 'You take your opponent’s greatest strength and turn it into their worst nightmare.'

"Edwards said Wohlgemuth’s cuts cost taxpayers $500 million in federal offsets. He also personalized the issue: An Edwards television advertisement showed photographs of a young widow and her daughter who were dropped from CHIP, which the woman said in a voice-over had enabled her to stay off welfare.

"'What’s important is putting a real face on the issues,' says Edwards, who described the program to voters as pro-family and pro-work."

The Truth:

Even before Van Taylor chose to run the first negative television ad of the 2006 general election campaign, he was involved in a very negative primary race against Tucker Anderson described by Roll Call as “perhaps the muddiest primary fight” in Texas. (Roll Call, 3/7/2006)