Local News: Congressman to Speak During Veterans Day

Edwards to Speak at Veterans Park
By Matthew Watkins

From the Bryan-College Station Eagle

As U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards acknowledges Veterans Day across his district this week, rumors continued to persist about a possible position in President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet.

The Democrat who recently defeated Rob Curnock to win his 10th term in congress will be in College Station on Tuesday evening to deliver the keynote speech at the Veterans Day celebration at Veterans Park.

His name has frequently been mentioned as the possible next secretary of veterans affairs, not necessarily surprising since he is chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee and one of only a handful of congressmen to be a senior member on both the House Budget and Appropriations Committees.

The College Station event will include performances by the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band and Ross Volunteers. The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial board of directors will add another 171 names to the memorial, bringing the total to 4,103.

Tickets for the 6 p.m. celebration are $8 and will support the Museum of the American G.I. and Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial.

Edwards has been rumored to be a possible part of the Obama administration ever since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recommended him as a solid candidate for vice presidential nominee in June.

Obama, who Edwards endorsed during the Texas primary, surprised many political followers when he revealed that the congressman made the short list of vice president picks.

Edwards told The Eagle last week that he doesn't expect to join the Obama cabinet, but said he would have to consider it if it was offered.

He told reporters in Fort Worth on Monday that he would "think long and hard" about the position if asked, but that he has not been approached. He was in Fort Worth on Monday for a groundbreaking for a new veterans outpatient clinic.

He said that he would have to consider which position he would have more impact before making a choice. Edwards told The Eagle recently that one of the proudest achievements as a congressman was helping to increase veterans' health care and benefits by over $16 billion during the last term.

"I love my present job," he told the Associated Press. "Where could I do the most good for veterans? I'm not sure."

If he were to leave his spot in Congress, a special election would be held to fill his vacancy.

Published Tuesday, November 11, 2008