Environmental group issues an endorsement of Edwards
DOVER, N.H. - Against a backdrop of brilliant autumn colors, a national environmental organization that provides direct support to campaigns, endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards yesterday, giving a boost to his efforts in this green-friendly state.
"We are endorsing John Edwards because we believe he is the candidate most committed, and best prepared to halt global warming and promote a healthy, livable planet for our families and our future," said Brent Blackwelder, president of Friends of the Earth Action.
The San Francisco-based sister organization of Friends of the Earth praised Edwards for his plans to cap greenhouse gas emissions and create a new fund to invest in renewable energy, and for his opposition to building new nuclear plants.
As part of the endorsement, the group plans to mobilize its members in support of Edwards and open a New Hampshire office, Blackwelder said.
Edwards said he was honored to receive the endorsement and went on to congratulate former Vice President Al Gore on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Invoking John F. Kennedy's inaugural address, Edwards issued a call to public sacrifice and conservation.
"We need to be patriotic about something other than war," he said in a town hall style meeting after the endorsement. "We need you to take responsibility and to sacrifice for your country to conserve in our homes, workplaces, and to drive more fuel-efficient cars."
Edwards fielded questions about the environment and other issues, including universal healthcare, his plan for ending poverty, revisions to the No Child Left Behind law, and his opinion of Senator Joseph Biden's partition plan for Iraq.
Blackwelder said that while other top-tier candidates have taken similar positions on the environment and global warming, Edwards was the only leading candidate to rule out expanding use of nuclear power - a position that may capture voters in Dover.
"I am very happy to hear that he is opposed to nuclear power. . . . I liked Edwards before, but now I like him even more," said Brigit Ordway, 50, of Rollinsford, N.H.
Another voter, Dane Drasher, 52, of Dover, said Edwards is likeable but he doesn't entirely share his views. "I consider myself a conservationist," Drasher said, but he cited the war on terror as his biggest concern.
SARAH KNEEZLE
Giuliani invoking Reagan
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Republican Rudy Giuliani says he will try to follow Ronald Reagan's lead and stay out of the latest dustup between presidential candidates.
"Everybody wants the nomination. You point out the things that are most important to you," he told reporters yesterday. . . . "[Reagan] used to have an 11th commandment, that was thou shall not attack another Republican.
"I'm going to try to follow that commandment as much as I can," Giuliani said.
On Friday, Mitt Romney told an audience in Nevada that he's the most credible Republican seeking the party's presidential nomination.
A day later, John McCain scoffed at the assertion and recalled Romney's moderate politics and past support of Democratic candidates.
Giuliani was quick to point out what he suggested were inconsistencies in the records of both candidates.
"Honestly, I have the only results. I'm the only one who reduced taxes," Giuliani said, repeating a shot at Romney's record as Massachusetts governor.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
