John Edwards

excerpts from the Iowa Daily Report

December 16-31, 2003

Christmas campaigning in New Hampshire

PoliticsNH.com reports on how the candidates are taking advantage of New Hampshire’s tradition of parades and Holiday shopping to campaign. The story also relates how Howard Dean’s campaign is having none of it and sticking with their house parties and appeals to independents:

Granite State campaigns are taking advantage of the opportunities presented by holiday activities, events where large numbers of voters gather together in public places.

In Nashua, U.S. Sen. John Edwards' staff invited voters enjoying the annual holiday stroll into its field office to get warm and to hear more about the candidate. Revelers were greeted with candy canes and campaign literature.

Sen. Joe Lieberman's campaign staff was out working the Manchester holiday parade, braving the cold with signs outside its Manchester office.  (12/16/2003)

Edwards on Flu

In an innovative high-tech town hall meeting linking voters in Manchester, Hanover, Gorham, and across the state, John Edwards today proposed strengthening public health systems and detailed his plans to prevent future vaccine shortages like the current shortage of flu vaccine.

"This outbreak is a reminder that we must improve our public health system," said Edwards. "Whether it's a mild flu or a deadly anthrax attack, we depend on our public health system to respond. That is why doctors and nurses in New Hampshire and around the country need to be able to turn to one place for accurate, real-time information about disease outbreaks. And our public health system needs the resources to respond to emergencies and keep us healthy."

In the interactive discussion with health care professionals and activists across the state, Edwards outlined his plans to prevent similar shortages in the future, specifically by consolidating disease control coordination, tracking disease outbreaks and vaccine availability in real time, decreasing vaccine production time, and long-term funding and planning for public health systems that deal with outbreaks.

"When it comes to the flu, we don't need to panic; we need to prepare," said Edwards. "In America, people who need the flu vaccine should be able to get it, but right now they can't because supplies are running out. For this year, we need to buy more safe vaccine overseas. For future years, we need to have enough vaccine and to move more quickly in response to outbreaks--so we stop the flu before the flu stops us."

Edwards also called for the immediate importation of vaccines and reiterated his call for an investigation into lower vaccine production this year and rising costs over recent years.

The Associated Press reports that Edwards was asked by a New Hampshire health care advocate why he's not pushing a single-payer, government health care system. Edwards said he opted for a pragmatic approach that helps the most vulnerable Americans. He wants to require parents to enroll their children in private or government plans, with $25 billion annually in tax credits to help them do so. The plan also includes some targeted subsidies aimed at helping more than 8 million uninsured adults afford health care and cost-control measures he estimates will save $15 billion to $17 billion annually. (12/16/2003)

Edwards visits Iowa’s 99 counties

Sen. John Edwards is duplicating Howard Dean’s feat of campaigning in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Several weeks ago Howard Dean visited Howard County to use a play on his first name in visiting the 99th county. Now, it looks as if Edwards will use Howard County as his last stop in his 99 county tours as well.

Edwards’ campaign stated that on Friday, December 19, 2003, North Carolina Senator John Edwards will be a guest on Iowa Public Television’s show, “Iowa Press.” He will meet with Democratic activists in Pocahontas, Palo Alto, O’Brien, Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, and Emmet counties on Saturday, December 20, 2003. Edwards will campaign in Mitchell County and in the 99th county he has visited this year, Howard, on Sunday, December 21, 2003.

Edwards’ plan to travel to every county in Iowa highlights his commitment to rural communities. A native of Robbins, North Carolina, Edwards will celebrate the milestone of visiting all of Iowa’s 99 counties at a large community gathering with supporters in Robins, Iowa on the afternoon of Sunday, December 22, 2003. (12/17/2003)

Edwards calls Bush cynical

Senator John Edwards joined the name-calling and criticism of President Bush signing the "American Dream Downpayment Act." Edwards called the signing a staging and cynical photo op.

"Millions of Americans are struggling with big mortgage payments, but this bill can help only a tiny fraction of them," Edwards said. "If we really want to increase home ownership, we should cancel President Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy, and use a small portion of the savings to create a new tax credit for struggling families to afford their first home."

Edwards has made helping working families buy a first home and save for the future a cornerstone of his presidential campaign. His American Dream Tax Credit will offer a matching tax credit of up to $5,000 to help millions of families cover a down payment on a first home. He has also proposed tax cuts for working families who save and invest, including matching savings accounts for retirement and dividend and capital gains tax cuts for 95 percent of Americans. (12/17/2003)

Edwards’ new ad

The Edwards for President campaign announced today that it is airing a new television ad in New Hampshire focused on Senator Edwards' corporate responsibility proposals.

"I mean really, if somebody goes down to the grocery store and steals a half-gallon of milk they end up in jail," Edwards says in the ad titled "Milk." "But here we go with George Bush's friends, get in trouble they don't go to jail."

"We need to act to put the law back on the side of the American people and not have the law be on the side of the special interests."

In July, Edwards outlined his comprehensive corporate responsibility plan in a speech in Manchester. The five-part plan will restore trust in America's economy in the wake of Bush era corporate scandals that have slowed economic growth and washed away the financial security of millions of Americans through layoffs, bankruptcies and destroyed pensions. Today, Edwards built on that plan and announced a new set of measures to protect investors against abuses at the New York Stock Exchange and at mutual funds. "Milk" began airing this week in New Hampshire. (12/18/2003)

Edwards on SEC

Sen. John Edwards said on Wednesday the Securities and Exchange Commission is not going far enough to protect investors against abuses at the New York Stock Exchange and at mutual funds. "The SEC's response to scandal has fallen short. Unfortunately, the commission is putting the insiders ahead of investors," Edwards said. Edwards proposed three steps the SEC must take to restore accountability at the New York Stock Exchange:

·        Separate Regulatory and Market Functions. The New York Stock Exchange is responsible both for maintaining the stock market and regulating the companies that trade on the market. Edwards will clearly separate these business and regulatory duties.

·        Increase Transparency. Edwards will require Stock Exchange committees to issue annual reports about their governance activities. Edwards supports calls from North Carolina Treasurer Richard Moore for the exchange to release its internal report on Grasso's pay. Edwards also will release the SEC's recent investigations of corporate wrongdoing at the stock exchange.

·        Study Shifting to Electronic Market. The New York Stock Exchange is one of the last equity markets in the world where human traders, not computers match buyers and sellers, leading to potential conflicts of interest. Edwards will convene a blue-ribbon commission to study the issue.

To end insiders' ability to rip off mutual fund investors, Edwards will:

·        Reduce Mutual Fund Fees. The cost of mutual fund fees has risen consistently, and typical investors are often confused by overlapping fees and undisclosed charges. Edwards will require clear disclosure of fees and supports the fee reduction negotiated by Spitzer.

·        Disclose Manager Pay. Some market watchers say that mutual fund managing is the most overpaid profession in the country. Edwards will require companies to disclose their fund managers' pay packages, including how managers are trading the funds they control.

·        Get Tough on Fund Abuses. Edwards will increase SEC enforcement, work with states and pass legislation to increase disclosure requirements, regulatory oversight, and punishments for abuses like market timing and collusion between brokers and fund managers.

Edwards also called on the SEC to fix the convoluted rule it developed to implement Edwards' corporate lawyer accountability law. The Edwards amendment to the landmark Sarbanes-Oxley reform bill requires corporate attorneys to report wrongdoing up the chain of command and to the shareholders if action is not taken. The way the SEC interpreted the rule is impenetrable even to expert securities lawyers, not to mention regular investors. (12/18/2003)

Edwards supports protest

Sen. John Edwards expressed his support for a march held in South Carolina to protest a school drug sweep in which police, with guns drawn, ordered students to the floor.

"I support the march, particularly the fact that the issues that were discussed in that march were broadened to bigger issues of equality," Edwards said at a day care center in Charleston. "I was so proud of those who stood up and spoke up. There is still so much more work to be done in this country when it comes to racial equality."

The Nov. 5 raid at Stratford High drew national attention after video from surveillance cameras showed students ordered to the floor while officers with guns and a drug dog searched them. (12/18/2003)

Edwards supports decision on enemy combatants

Edwards stated in response to the court ruling that an American detained on American soil must be charged and afforded legal council that, "America can and must fight terror without surrendering the ideals that define our nation.

"As I have long said, President Bush's policy on enemy combatants violates our country's sacred ideals without making us safer. Under this policy, U.S. citizens can be seized and detained indefinitely--without a right to an attorney, without a right to have their case heard in an impartial court of law. This is not the America we believe in.

"President Bush should not defend the indefensible. Instead, working with Congress if necessary, he should pursue a new policy that defeats terrorists and upholds our values: liberty, justice, and the rule of law," Edwards said. (12/19/2003)

Edwards names chief of staff

Senator John Edwards Thursday named longtime aide Miles Lackey as his campaign's chief of staff.

"Miles is one of the people whose advice I trust the most," Edwards said. "He is a fellow North Carolinian, and he is a close friend. I am so excited to welcome him to the campaign team."

Lackey comes to the campaign after serving as chief of staff in Edwards' Senate office. In this position, Lackey helped Edwards on key legislative efforts, like passing the Patients' Bill of Rights, battling the Bush administration's efforts to weaken environmental laws, improving corporate accountability and working for fair trade, a more secure homeland, and cheaper prescription drugs. (12/19/2003)

Edwards calls on FTC, Justice Dept.

Edwards wants the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department to investigate American companies' alleged collusion to stop Canadian pharmacists from supplying affordable drugs to Americans. The call for this action is inconsistent with current law and is clearly a stunt. The impetus for his action is to focus on the fact that in recent weeks, several major drug companies, apparently acting together, have told Canadian pharmacists that their supply of pharmaceuticals would be cut off if there was evidence of importation to the US. The Canadian governments strongarm tactics with pharmacy companies have been blamed for part of the reason America’s drugs are so high priced. Edwards offered the following statement:

"The drug companies bought the president's prescription drug bill, and now they're bullying Canadian pharmacists into denying affordable, life-saving treatment for Americans," Edwards said. "This has to stop. It's time to put drugs for patients ahead of profits for drug companies."

The drug companies' action follows their victory in the Medicare drug bill, which effectively prohibits re-importation and prohibits the U.S. government from negotiating with drug companies for lower drug prices in Medicare. Edwards has long supported the safe re-importation of safe drugs from Canada. He applauds efforts in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Boston and elsewhere to contain drug costs through re-importation. (12/20/2003)

Edwards: extend jobless benefits

Sen. John Edwards wants President Bush to push Congress to extend once again the unemployment benefits for those still looking for a job:

"This holiday season President Bush and the Republican leadership will deliver lumps of coal to more than 80,000 families whose only misdeed was losing their job.

"Washington under Republican control shows that 'Tis the season not for giving, but for taking. 'Tis the season to take away men and women's ability to pay their rent, their bills, and buy their kid a gift. 'Tis the season to slip out of town while millions of Americans received pink slips this year.

"We cannot let this president and the Republican leadership do this again. Our economy is still not creating the amount of jobs we need to put America back to work. Until we are out of the woods, until it is clear that our economy is producing enough jobs, we must extend unemployment insurance another 13 weeks. This is not a gift to these families who are struggling; it's the right thing to do for them and our economy." (12/20/2003)

Edwards on rural communities

John Edwards continued to campaign in Iowa. He continues to struggle to gain traction despite his in depth policy statements. In his latest swing he campaigned on rural communities.

"Family farmers are the backbone of the small towns and rural communities across our country, but they're under attack from big corporate factory farms and those who want to cut the safety net. We must do everything we can to help family farmers stay strong in good times and bad, and that's why I was proud to support the farm bill passed with Senator Tom Harkin's leadership last year," Edwards said. "I will fight for family farmers by standing up to the big factory farms. I also know that the best stewards of the land are those work and live on it. Farmers want clean water and air for their families, and I will give them the tools they need to practice sound conservation."

Edwards' policies for rural America include:

·        A National Moratorium on the Construction and Expansion of New CAFOs. Edwards, who beat the only corporate hog farmer in the U.S. Senate in 1998, is proposing a national moratorium on the construction and expansion of new CAFOs. Edwards' proposal would flatly stop the creation of new CAFOs.

·        A Ban on Packer Ownership to Help Family Farms from Iowa to North Carolina. Edwards wants a strong ban on packer ownership that can become law now. That ban must stop the spread of large corporate hog interests which are driving small farmers out of business by influencing livestock prices and restricting access to markets for independent producers.

·        Full Funding of the Conservation Security Program. The Conservation Security Program (CRP) in the 2002 Farm Bill offers farmers incentives to implement environmentally sound farming techniques. However, House Republicans have refused to fund the CRP and the Bush Administration has stalled on putting the rules into their final form. Edwards supports fully funding the CRP and finalizing the rules so farmers can begin conservation practices.

Edwards has also unveiled the CLEAN plan (Concentrated Livestock Existing Alongside Nature) to limit pollution water and air pollution from large corporate livestock operations. The CLEAN Act would:

·        Establish tough pollution limits for livestock operations. The act would require the Agriculture Secretary and EPA Administrator to establish maximum acceptable levels for the discharge of nitrogen, phosphorous, and other pollutants. Discharges that risk significant soil toxicity, pollution of surface or ground water, or harm to human health would be forbidden.

·        Establish limits for hydrogen sulfide and ammonia emissions from large CAFOs. The strict limitations would be the first national emissions limitations for these pollutants.

·        Establish rigorous requirements for spraying and waste containment. The act would require new limits on spraying, including spraying near sensitive locations and in inclement weather. The act would also establish new requirements for containing excess waste, including both wet and dry waste.

·        Mandate tough penalties for polluters. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) owners who violate this act could lose their CAFO and face stiff monetary fines.

·        Prioritize federal funding for clean water and prohibit funding to construct or expand CAFOs. In order to ensure that farmers have the resources to comply with the new requirements, the act would prioritize federal funding for clean water practices. And to ensure money is targeted to aiding the environment, the act would bar uses of Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP) funds to construct or expand CAFOs.

·        Encourage states to improve their regulations. The act does not apply to states that provide greater protections against pollution, including a moratorium on any construction or expansion of CAFOs. This will encourage states to provide even stronger pollution protections. (12/21/2003)

"I was born in a small town"

John Edwards, parodying Howard Dean, made trek to Howard County – the same county where Dean used the literation of ‘Howard’ to make the point of connection with Iowa voters. Dean was the first candidate in this election cycle to visit all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Edwards then went to Robins in Linn County because it shares a similarity with his hometown of Robbins, South Carolina, to mark his feat of visiting all 99 Iowa counties. An estimated 300 individuals showed up for the festivities, which was herald by the lyrics, "I was born in a small town" by John Mellencamp, pouring into the crowd of listeners. The Des Moines Register reported Edwards commenting:

"I know these small towns," Edwards said. "I grew up in a small town. I've been in small towns all over the state of Iowa. As your president, I will restore the strength and vitality of small-town America. You have my word on that." (12/22/2003)

Edwards’ security aid

John Edwards urged President Bush to give state and local communities the funds they need to keep our communities safe:

"A higher alert level won't make us safer unless cops and firefighters in our communities get more help. They bear an enormous burden from this new 'orange alert.' Yet because of budget shortfalls, many communities have been forced to lay off cops and close firehouses. As far as they're concerned, this administration is just sucking up more homeland security money in Washington, with less money for needs on the ground.

"If President Bush were truly serious about homeland security, he would do more than increase the threat level; he would increase support for cops and firefighters in our communities. I introduced a $50 billion state fiscal relief package that included $10 billion specifically dedicated to state and local homeland security needs. That $10 billion is the help our communities need." (12/23/2003)

Edwards’ 60 minute boost

Sen. John Edwards’ campaign expressed that Edwards’ appearance on 60 Minutes Sunday, caused his campaign offices to be inundated with requests for more information and pledges of support. The CBS show regularly reaches 14 million viewers. Edwards' profile with Lesley Stahl examined his working-class background, his career as an attorney and his campaign for the Democratic nomination.

“John Edwards has the ability to connect with voters from all walks of life, in person and on television," Edwards' Campaign Manager Nick Baldick said. "We've been overwhelmed with calls from voters attracted to Senator Edwards' message and intrigued by his life story."

During the 12-minute interview Edwards took on tough questions about his candidacy, and had this to say about the battle that lay ahead: "What people figure out over time is there is a toughness inside of me that can take on any challenge. It is not an accident that I've gotten to this place."

Response from voters was immediate and overwhelming. Traffic on Edwards' website jumped more than 860 percent from a typical Sunday night. Calls from all over the country poured into the Raleigh headquarters and offices in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Voters called to volunteer as well as to get additional information, like copies of Edwards' 60-page policy book, Real Solutions for America.  (12/23/2003)

Edwards: Disabled Americans agenda

Continuing his campaign to make opportunity the birthright of every American, Sen. John Edwards unveiled his comprehensive agenda for Americans with disabilities.

“We’re a nation where every person has equal value, every dream deserves an equal chance, and every soul should be as equal in the law of the land as it is in the eyes of God,” Edwards said. “Yet too often, people with disabilities must overcome unnecessary obstacles when they try to get an education, find a job, or receive the care they need.”

Edwards believes we must break down barriers in education, the workplace, health care, and law, and today, he announced steps he will take as president so that every American has an equal chance to live the American Dream.

“America is about giving everyone an equal opportunity, and we have a responsibility to reach out to all Americans so they have a real opportunity to achieve their dreams.” Edwards said.

Edwards’ agenda for Americans with disabilities focuses on four key areas: expanding education and employment opportunities; improving health care and federal benefits; improving long-term care; and fully enforcing existing civil rights laws.

·        Expanding Education and Employment Opportunities. The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than twice that of people without disabilities, and one out of five adults with disabilities has not graduated from high school. Edwards' “Breaking Down Barriers” initiative will enable high school and college students who may not be working today to get work experience.

·        Improving Health Care and Federal Benefits. Edwards believes that insurance companies must offer the same care to those with mental illness as those with physical illness. He will also promote community-based care within Medicare by stopping the unfair and bureaucratic rules that prevent beneficiaries from getting the things they need to live at home, such as wheelchairs.

·        Improving Long-Term Care. For people with disabilities in need of long-term care, Edwards’ Living with Dignity Initiative will offer support in the community built on basic American principles: choice of services, the chance to get care in the home and community, dignity and respect for workers, and accountability for providers and the government.

·        Fully Enforcing Civil Rights Laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) expanded the opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Yet 13 years later there is still more to be done. As president, Edwards will vigorously enforce the ADA, restore critical protections under the law, and appoint judges committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans.

"All Americans should be able to contribute their skills and talents and be part of their communities. That’s why my plan is about,” Edwards said. (12/24/2003)

Edwards’ sad tale

Sen. John Edwards is the subject of a New York Times story that reports on the few, the proud and the faithful supporters of Edwards in New Hampshire. Edwards’ recent visit to Portsmouth helped bolster some of the workers’ spirits, according to the story:

"Seeing him today helped because it recaptures the feeling I had when I first saw him," said Connie Williams, a retired psychotherapist who is writing letters and making calls. "But it is discouraging. If he could only come across as more forceful, I think he'd have a chance." (12/27/2003)

Edwards vote of no confidence

Edwards told "Fox News Sunday" his vote was meant to tell the Bush administration that its policy of going it alone in Iraq was not working and needed to be changed. And he says he would have voted that way even if the measure's passage depended on him. Such a scenario, he said, would have brought administration officials back to Congress with a more detailed plan for Iraq's future. He also said the Senate could have then forced them to involve other nations in a broader international effort.

"This was not a show vote," said Edwards, who represents North Carolina. "I did what I believed needed to be done to change this administration's policy in Iraq. And it did then, and still does now, needs to be changed.  (12/29/2003)

Edwards in Iowa

"They want to know what we're going to do, how we're going to lead," Edwards says. "It would be a trap to get caught in the emotion of the moment. If we want the White House, we better have a clear vision that recognizes the relentless optimism of the American people." In town hall meetings across the state, Edwards has challenged Bush's values with his own values, hoping to connect to the "regular folks" he says he will champion as president.

His values are spelled out succinctly in his signature line, which he usually saves until the end of his stump speech: "I still believe in an America where the son of a millworker can actually beat the son of a president for the White House." (12/29/2003)

"I'm absolutely not interested in being vice president. No, the answer to that question is no," said John Edwards.

"We know in our hearts that anger doesn't change America … our actions do," John Edwards said. (12/29/2003)

Edwards to end exploitation

Senator John Edwards outlined his vision for strengthening America's struggling middle class in a speech delivered today at the Creative Visions community center in Des Moines. Edwards highlighted how America has become divided in two under George Bush - with one America that is doing well and has its every wish granted by Washington, DC, and another that is living paycheck-to-paycheck and struggling to get by.

"Today under George W. Bush, there are two Americas, not one. One America does the work, while another America reaps the reward. One America pays the taxes, while another America gets the tax breaks," Edwards said. "If we want America to be a growing, thriving democracy with the strongest middle class on earth, we must choose a different path."

“While the middle class across America has been under assault during George Bush's presidency, the impact has been particularly hard in Iowa. Since Bush took office in January 2001, Iowa has seen: 32,000 lost jobs - 23,000 of them in manufacturing; a 52 percent increase in bankruptcy filings; 59,000 more Iowans living in poverty; and 22,000 fewer Iowans with health insurance.”

"When I'm president, we'll be one America, not two," Edwards said. "As president, I'll give every American the chance to build their future again. I have a plan to make America work for all of us, by creating 5 million new jobs in my first two years, reforming the tax code, and helping middle-class families save, invest, and get ahead."

In Iowa, Edwards' plan will:

·        Create 52,000 Iowa Jobs: In his first two years in office, Edwards will create jobs by cutting taxes for companies that export products, not jobs; standing up for U.S. trade rights; aiding overburdened state budgets; and restoring fiscal discipline.

·        Offer Tax Cuts for Working Families: John Edwards will offer targeted tax cuts to help over 1 million Iowans get ahead. These tax cuts include:

·        Homeownership: 70,000 Iowa families will use Edwards' first-time homebuyer tax credit to buy their first homes during Edwards' first term.

·        Newborns: 120,000 Iowa families will receive the family leave tax credit over four years. The $2,500 credit for each new child will allow parents to take time off work or meet other expenses.

·        Retirement Savings: 980,000 Iowa families will be eligible for matching savings tax credits.

·        Investments: 260,000 middle-class Iowa families will benefit from lower capital gains rates and 315,000 middle-class Iowa families will benefit from lower dividend rates.

Edwards also called for an end to the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy and highlighted his proposals to protect middle-class families from irresponsible credit card companies, payday lenders and predatory lenders. In addition, he questioned Democrats who would raise taxes on middle-class families.

"I can't understand why some other candidates in this race want to raise taxes on work and make life harder for the middle class," Edwards said. "We know that President Bush's tax cuts did not do enough for working people. But our answer cannot be to raise taxes on the people who make the least. We cannot say to an average family of four in Iowa: your taxes are going up by more than $1,700."

Edwards said the steps he outlined today would change America by taking on the insiders and big corporations and strengthening the middle class and the economy. "I have been fighting this fight all my life and will fight harder as president." (12/30/2003)

Edwards: Ashcroft too late

Sen. John Edwards released the following statement today in response to the news that Attorney General John Ashcroft excused himself from the White House CIA leak investigation:

"Today's decision comes far too late,” said Edwards. “President Bush knows how to get what he wants inside his White House, yet for months, his administration has somehow failed to find the person responsible for this dangerous and destructive leak.

"This is completely unacceptable. Until the person responsible for this leak is found and punished, America's security will be compromised, and courageous American intelligence officers around the world will not be able to rest. This administration cannot be allowed to rest until it finishes this job," said Edwards. (12/31/2003)

Edwards on OSHA

The NY Times reports that Sen. John Edwards is accusing the Bush administration of failing to protect workers. Edwards announced a plan to decrease workplace deaths and injuries by strengthening laws and hiring more federal safety personnel, his campaign said Tuesday. (12/31/2003)

Taking a look at Edwards

The Waterloo Courier reports on Sen. John Edwards stop in their city. Some in the audience liked what they saw:

Scott Hudson, an undecided voter, was impressed by Edwards' skill answering the crowd's questions.

"He'd probably be strong in debates," Hudson said. "His opening was a little stifled, but he spoke very authentically and was informed about every issue. ... He didn't give any squishy answers." (12/31/2003)

Edwards: Bush failed

From the SonuvaMillWukuh Campaign website comes yet another wordy (-- sigh --), detailed (– double sigh --) plan…

“Family farmers in Iowa have been badly hurt by the discovery of mad cow disease in Washington State. But the infected meat might never have reached American consumers if this administration supported simple steps to protect our food supply. President Bush opposed these steps after taking more than $1 million from big beef and dairy interests. John Edwards has never taken a dime from federal lobbyists or PACs, and he would ban federal candidates from taking lobbyists' donations. Today, John Edwards outlined his agenda to put food safety first.

BUSH BOWED TO AGRIBUSINESS DONORS AT THE EXPENSE OF SAFETY

PRESIDENT BUSH TOOK MORE THAN $1 MILLION FROM THE LIVESTOCK, DAIRY, AND MEAT PROCESSING INDUSTRIES.

·        More than $750,000 from Livestock Producers. Bush is the top recipient of donations from livestock producers. He has taken $253,550 during the 2004 cycle, and $507,085 during the 2000 election cycle. Top livestock producer contributors include the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the National Pork Producers Council. [Center for Responsive Politics]

·        Almost $150,000 from Dairy Industry. For 2004, Bush has taken $42,000 from the dairy industry. During the 2000 cycle, he received $107,450 from the industry. In both cycles, Bush was the top recipient of dairy donations. Top contributors include Dairy Farmers of America, Suiza Foods, Dean Foods, and Agri-Mark Inc. [Center for Responsive Politics]

·        Almost $120,000 from Meat Processing Industry. In 2000, Bush received $76,500 from the meat processing and products industry. He was the top recipient for the industry. For the 2004 cycle, Bush has received $42,500 from the industry. Top contributors include the American Meat Institute, Smithfield Foods and Hormel Foods. [Center for Responsive Politics]

BUSH ADMINISTRATION HAS REFUSED SIMPLE FOOD SAFETY MEASURES.

·        Failure to Act on Downed Cattle. The infected cow was a "downer" unable to walk. Because downed cattle are more likely to be sick, food safety advocates have long opposed the slaughter of downed cows for human consumption, at least until the cows are proven to be disease-free. The Bush administration refused to adopt regulations to keep these potentially sick animals out of the food supply. [Associated Press, 12/17/03]

·        Limited Enforcement of Feed Ban. In 1997, the Clinton administration enacted new regulations banning most cow proteins from ruminant feeds. Yet in 2002 the General Accounting Office found that FDA had "not placed a priority on oversight of the feed ban"; many firms that "were out of compliance in repeated inspections, yet FDA had not issued a warning letter." A recent review found 300 firms out of compliance. A Bush official admitted: "we don't have good tests to take the feed itself and determine whether it's in compliance." [AP, 12/28/03; GAO 2002, Chicago Tribune, 12/25/03]

·        Underfunded Food Safety at FDA. The FDA is responsible for critical testing of cattle for mad cow disease, yet the 2004 Bush budget did not even keep pace with inflation. Bush allies have also repeatedly blocked efforts to increase funding for the Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service. [USDA, 2/03; Congress Daily, 5/11/02; House Appropriations Committee Vote, 6/13/01]

THE EDWARDS AGENDA

·        Test More Cattle, Test Them More Quickly, and Track Them Through Their Lives. Last year, Western European nations tested 10 million cows for mad cow disease. The Agriculture Department tested about 20,000. Test results often are not returned for more than two weeks. Edwards would sharply increase testing levels, including mandatory testing of all downed cattle. He would require use of much faster tests now available. And he would institute a system for mandatory tracing of cattle from birth. It should not take so long to determine the location of other cattle from the infected cow's herd.

·        Ban Use of Downed Cattle for Food Until Proven Disease-Free. Edwards would ban the slaughter of downed cattle for human consumption unless and until the cattle have been shown by testing to be disease-free. Had this rule been in place a month ago, the infected Washington cow would not have been turned into meat sold to consumers.

·        Strengthen Enforcement of Feed Ban. Edwards would require FDA to examine not only company records, as presently occurs, but feed itself. He would work with states to increase the frequency of inspections at rendering plants-North Carolina, for example, inspects these plans twice per year, while many states conduct tests only once. And he would establish new penalties for violation of the feed ban.

·        Bar Importation of Canadian Cattle Until Canada's Food Safety Protections Are Certified As Adequate. While the U.S. now bars the importation of any Canadian cattle, a regulation is pending that would lift this ban for live cattle older than 30 months. Edwards would maintain the full ban until the current crisis is resolved and the adequacy of Canada's food safety protections is established.

·        Keep Spinal Columns And Other Dangerous Tissue Out of the Food Supply. A few beef parts, such as spinal columns, are the prime sources of risk to humans for mad cow disease. Companies like Burger King, Pizza Hut, and ConAgra keep such items out of their food. Edwards would keep spinal column and other dangerous tissue out of food.

·        Help Farmers Injured by the Mad Cow Outbreak. Farmers who have played by the rules should not bear a heavy burden due to the current mad cow crisis. Edwards would provide financial assistance to compensate farmers injured by the crisis.   (12/31/2003)

Edwards missed in S. C.

The Charlotte Observer reports Sen. John Edwards is not spending much time in their fair state:

Although U.S. Sen. John Edwards has described the Feb. 3 Democratic primary in South Carolina as essential to his presidential hopes, S.C. voters will hardly see him between now and the last few days of January.

Instead, he'll devote almost all of his efforts to Iowa and New Hampshire, two states with earlier balloting where polls show his support registering only in single digits.

"What's really important now is that he do well enough in New Hampshire and Iowa that he shows he can be a national candidate, and then come back down here," said Jennifer Palmieri, campaign spokeswoman for the N.C. senator. (12/31/2003)

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