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Kerry, John

Democratic Senators Urge John Kerry to Choose John Edwards as Running Mate

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Democratic senators and Senate candidates are urging John Kerry to choose John Edwards of North Carolina as his running mate, citing his ability to help Democrats in five tossup races in the South and give the party a fighting chance to recapture control of the Senate. Edwards's Southern roots and charisma are seen as assets in the region, and his appeal extends beyond the South, making him a strong candidate nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • 30 Democratic senators believe John Edwards is the best choice for vice president and would help raise Democratic numbers from 48 seats to a majority.
  • Edwards's presence on the ticket would help Democrats in five tossup races in the South, including North and South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
  • Several Democrats said that Edwards's Southern roots and charisma would be an asset in the region, and his appeal extends beyond the South.
  • Edwards has raised $150,000 for Kerry in Florida and $400,000 for the party, and has campaigned recently with Democratic Senate candidates in North Carolina and South Carolina.
  • Edwards is seen as a strong candidate to add geographic balance to a ticket headed by Kerry, who is from Massachusetts.
  • Some Democrats warned that even the mere suspicion that Edwards or his supporters might be orchestrating this campaign might put off Kerry, who has always been a little uncomfortable with Edwards.

Statistics:

  • 30 votes in the Democratic caucus anonymously, Edwards would be the choice among senators.
  • 48 seats: the current number of Democratic seats in the Senate.
  • 5 tossup races in the South: Edwards's presence on the ticket would help Democrats in these states.
  • 7 percentage points: the lead of President Bush over Kerry in North Carolina before Edwards's presence on the ticket.
  • 1 percentage point: the narrowed lead of President Bush over Kerry in North Carolina after Edwards's presence on the ticket.

Sources:

  • Mason-Dixon Poll
  • The Cook Political Report
  • Charles Cook, editor of the Cook Political Report
  • Erskine Bowles, North Carolina Senate candidate
  • Senator John B. Breaux of Louisiana
  • Senator Patty Murray of Washington
  • Senator Byron L. Dorgan, North Dakota
  • Senator Kent Conrad, North Dakota
  • Representative Brad Carson of Oklahoma
  • Representative Chris John of Louisiana
  • Senator Bob Graham, Florida
  • Senator Bill Nelson, Florida

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