WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: On John Kerry’s Selection of John Edwards as Running Mate

U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, (IA-4): “The Kerry/Edwards ticket is out of step with mainstream Iowans. Collectively their legislative records of higher taxes, more government regulation, and blocking attempts at a national energy policy have negatively affected Iowa’s families, farm economy, small businesses and their employees. Iowa needs leaders who will more ably represent their interests and values.”

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Stew Iverson: “Senator Edwards shares the unfortunate views of Senator Kerry on the issues that matter most to the people of Iowa, such as his vote against our troops on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, Edwards fails when it comes to helping Iowa’s families – voting over five times against tax relief, opposing Medicare Reform and Prescription Drugs for seniors, and opposing the Partial Birth Abortion Ban. There are night and day differences between the two parties in this election, and we must work to ensure that President Bush’s optimistic leadership gets a second term.”

Iowa Senate President Jeff Lamberti: “Iowans can thank millionaire trial lawyers like John Edwards for filing unfair class action lawsuits against businesses to line their own pockets. While Senator Edwards and his tasseled-shoe trial lawyer friends can afford to buy bigger Georgetown homes, hard-working Iowans are forced to pay higher prices at the check-out line.”

Iowa State Auditor David Vaudt: “The Kerry/Edwards ticket puts together two Senators with liberal, anti-growth voting records that are against tax cuts, the full marriage penalty relief, the child tax credit, fully repealing the death tax and free trade agreements. Their philosophy will stymie the progress of our growing economy and is not good for Iowa or this great nation.”