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It was only about a month ago when Chet Edwards' name originally graced the lips of Nancy Pelosi as a possible Vice President of the United States. With the possibility of Barack Obama announcing his decision within a couple weeks, one of Texas' own hasn't quite left the rumor mill.
On July 10, the Dallas Morning News editorialized that "Obama's vetters would do well to consider how attractive a running mate with the background, centrist record and likable personality of Chet Edwards would make the Democratic ticket to swing voters."
About a week later, the representative was pushed into "I wish I could say more," a sign that he might actually be getting some vetting by the Obama campaign. Chet's tight lips left Carl Leubsdorf speculating why Ms. Pelosi mentioned him in the first place. And Howard Dean visited Crawford - he gave some nice words, too. Oh, and did we mention he can campaign and reel in the cash?
So where are we at today? Not far from a month ago. Chet Edwards remains a long-shot choice, and he's really not being cheered on by many but Nancy Pelosi.
Perhaps, though, we should keep close watch for his name in the news. Although his chances of being picked remain unlikely, there's reason to keep him on the radar screen.
The picking of Senators are slim. With the party margins so small, Obama may be dissuaded from picking a moderate who works across the aisle in a seat that isn't solidly Democrat. Unfortunately, most solidly Democrat seats aren't held by those known to work across the aisle. So, if Mr. Obama intends to pick a national legislator known for surpassing partisanship, Mr. Edwards probably is on the short list.
The 1970s were the last time a Texas man was absent from the presidential tickets, and it would take luck for it to happen again this November. But it's definitely not out of the question.
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