Monday, November 17, 2008
Associated Press
Rep. Chet Edwards says he’s honored to have been considered for Veterans Affairs secretary, but he plans to stay in Congress.
Edwards, D-Waco, said Sunday that he told President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team that he’ll continue representing his Texas district, where voters this month elected him to a 10th term.
“While it is an honor to have been considered for the position of U.S. secretary of Veterans Affairs, I believe I can make the most difference for veterans, our district and country by continuing to serve in Congress,” Edwards said in a news release.
Even as the dust was settling after Obama’s victory, speculation began about who might make the cut for a spot on his Cabinet. Political blogs and others suggested the Texas Democrat might be chosen to have a role in the Obama administration as Veterans Affairs secretary, given his experience with veterans’ issues.
Last week, Edwards, fresh from his Nov. 4 victory over Republican Rob Curnock, said he would consider the top VA post if it was offered.
“I would want to think long and hard,” Edwards said Nov. 10 at a groundbreaking for a new Fort Worth veterans outpatient clinic.
Edwards is chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, which helped increase funding for veterans’ health care and benefits by $16.3 billion the last two years. He received praise for his role, working with others, in saving Waco’s Veterans Affairs hospital when the Bush administration considered closing or downsizing it.
Edwards also had said he would have to consider whether he wanted to give up his position as the second-highest-ranking Democrat on the Energy and Water Appropriations Committee. He also serves on the House Budget and Appropriations committees and Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
“With our nation at war, this is a critical time for our veterans, and I want to remain in a position to push for budgets in Congress that truly honor their service to country,” he said.
Edwards also was on Obama’s short list of potential running mates during the presidential campaign this summer.
Tribune-Herald staff reports contributed to this story.
Comments
By Fred
Nov 18, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Dear nunya: You are a brave soul truly after Fred's own heart. Bravo to you! You're right; it would take a major miracle to change Slaughterhouse Waco.
By nunya
Nov 18, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Well, KnowsBetter, I'll tell you why Waco stinks. For the last 50+ years, it is an unprogressive, bureaucratic, political quagmire that has been ruled by three families for quite sometime. Ever notice how it stays small, no major industry comes in, and everyone has no ambition or motivation to succeed? There's basically two people who are in Waco. Those who are either criminals wanting to hide, or those who have no ambition but to waste life away.
Sure, you have Baylor and multiple retail establishments (I'm surprised Outback is there), but it doesn't have an economy sustained on industry or entrepreneurial ventures. It's nowhere land. There's no culture (if you want to count the Mason's Museum on Waco Drive major), or a population cultivated enough to be a marketplace for businesses.
If Waco needs to progress, it needs a major fresh perspective, and those who have ethics/values to come in and change it. Maybe miracles can happen.
By Nunya
Nov 18, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Well, KnowsBetter, I'll tell you why Waco stinks. For the last 50+ years, it is an unprogressive, bureaucratic, political quagmire that has been ruled by three families for quite sometime. Ever notice how it stays small, no major industry comes in, and everyone has no ambition or motivation to succeed? There's basically two people who are in Waco. Those who are either criminals wanting to hide, or those who have no ambition but to waste life away.
Sure, you have Baylor and multiple retail establishments (I'm surprised Outback is there), but it doesn't have an economy sustained on industry or entrepreneurial ventures. It's nowhere land. There's no culture (if you want to count the Mason's Museum on Waco Drive major), or a population cultivated enough to be a marketplace for businesses.
If Waco needs to progress, it needs a major fresh perspective, and those who have ethics/values to come in and change it. Maybe miracles can happen.
By Nunya
Nov 18, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Well, KnowsBetter, I'll tell you why Waco stinks. For the last 50+ years, it is an unprogressive, bureaucratic, political quagmire that has been ruled by three families for quite sometime. Ever notice how it stays small, no major industry comes in, and everyone has no ambition or motivation to succeed? There's basically two people who are in Waco. Those who are either criminals wanting to hide, or those who have no ambition but to waste life away.
Sure, you have Baylor and multiple retail establishments (I'm surprised Outback is there), but it doesn't have an economy sustained on industry or entrepreneurial ventures. It's nowhere land. There's no culture (if you want to count the Mason's Museum on Waco Drive major), or a population cultivated enough to be a marketplace for businesses.
If Waco needs to progress, it needs a major fresh perspective, and those who have ethics/values to come in and change it. Maybe miracles can happen.
By skeptic
Nov 17, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
I wonder, did he refuse because he really wants to help his district or is he just afraid he will find himself in hot water in the event that he may object to Obama's plan (whatever that is)Who knows???...Then where would he be?? Sitting in front of a committee during a hearing, on trial, in prison, scandelized or worse...they know how to get rid of those who don't play by their rules.
By Petey Wheatstraw
Nov 17, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Huh. Wonder why Chet didn't want to serve in Satan's cabinet?
By BoogerHook
Nov 17, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
All you Chet-Lovers out there should try something that I tried:
Send him an e-mail questioning one of his positions on an issue.
This is what happens:
You get a form letter that does not address your question. Then, forever, you get spam from his office deposited regularly into your inbox (or spam box in my case).
Chet is full of Chit.
By DOC
Nov 17, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
I think Fred is making fun of all the Bush haters that spewed hate filled vitriol these past few years with mocking references to "King George" and so forth. Goose meet gander....gander meet goose...
By Stephanie
Nov 17, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Congressman Edwards has fought time and time again for everyone from Cleburne to Waco and down to College Station. It truly does show his personal commitment to our District to choose to continue serving this District over a Cabinet position. Chet is a leading voice on veterans affairs and will continue to be an invaluable asset by remaining in Congress not only to our District but to all Americans. He will allow Congress to work more effectively with the administration so that veterans will be given the respect and the benefits they deserve after serving our country.
By Stephanie
Nov 17, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Congressman Edwards has fought time and time again for everyone from Cleburne to Waco and down to College Station. It truly does show his personal commitment to our District to choose to continue serving this District over a Cabinet position. Chet is a leading voice on veterans affairs and will continue to be an invaluable asset by remaining in Congress not only to our District but to all Americans. He will allow Congress to work more effectively with the administration so that veterans will be given the respect and the benefits they deserve after serving our country.
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