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| | Arkansas Democrats support Edwards as Kerry running mate
Wednesday, Jul 7, 2004 By Alison Vekshin Stephens Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- Arkansas Democrats on Tuesday praised the addition of Sen. John Edwards to the party's presidential ticket, saying the North Carolinian's southern roots and modest upbringing will appeal to Arkansas voters. Whether Edwards could help propel Kerry to victory in Arkansas may be another matter, analysts said. Jay Barth, associate political science professor at Hendrix College in Conway, said Edwards will be received well in Arkansas because of his progressive style and rural ties. "He would succeed in showing that he understands those who live in rural Arkansas, understands their challenges and really respects them," Barth said. But, Barth said, "How John Kerry performs as a candidate will ultimately determine who wins the state. Kerry is not a natural Arkansas politician." Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., said Edwards offered a balance to the ticket as an articulate Southerner with strong people skills. Arkansas voters will "perceive the ticket as a change in a positive direction," compared with President Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney, Lincoln said. Kerry and Edwards can carry Arkansas in November if they focus on issues that matter to working families, including health-care costs, education and elderly care, Lincoln said. Lincoln added she hoped to campaign with Kerry and Edwards in the state in the coming months. Republicans, meanwhile, criticized the choice of the freshman senator, saying his inexperience and liberal voting record would be off-putting to Arkansans. State Republican Party chairman and Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller said he did not think Kerry and Edwards reflected Arkansas values, particularly on issues such as gun control and abortion. "I don't think the ticket is going to resonate particularly well," he said. "The everyday Arkansans' values are significantly different from what is being put forward by these folks." Kerry, a Massachusetts senator, announced his selection of Edwards at a rally in Pittsburgh on Tuesday morning. Edwards, 51, a wealthy former trial lawyer, ran in the primary campaign, finishing second in the Iowa caucuses behind Kerry and outlasting a crowded field of Democrats who ran. He became known widely for an enthusiastic and charismatic campaign style. Edwards stressed his small-town roots and modest upbringing, criticizing President Bush for creating "two Americas" - consisting of the wealthy and everyone else. Political observers have identified Arkansas as a swing state in the election, crucial to the success of both campaigns. "John Edwards' message of two Americas is going to hit home in Arkansas, especially in the 3rd District where we have seen lots of growth," said Hadley Glover of Rogers, an Arkansas delegate to the Democratic National Convention. "There really are the have and have nots in the 3rd District. "His southern roots and his family values and the fact that he has championed middle-class America -- I think that will connect to the voters in the South," continued Glover, who campaigned for retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark in the Democratic presidential primary. John Garner, another Arkansas Democratic delegate and a retiree from Eureka Springs, said the Kerry-Edwards ticket would play well in Arkansas because of their emphasis on boosting jobs and the economy. But Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, said Arkansas voters will be concerned about Edwards' inexperience and his voting record. "His voting record is extremely liberal, especially on social issues," Boozman said. "He's out of touch with the people of Arkansas." Boozman said he thought Bush would carry the state in the November election "without any problem." State Democratic Party chairman Ron Oliver said Kerry would be helped by enlisting former President Bill Clinton to stump in Arkansas. "The (Al) Gore campaign did not do that," Oliver said. "I think that was a mistake at the time. (Clinton) is excellent in turning out the Democratic base and a lot of swing voters have gravitated to Clinton in Arkansas." -- 30 -- |
