Edwards Returns Lobbyist Money, continuing commitment not to take lobbyist or PAC money

[draft_mario_cuomo]

It is good to see Edwards continue to refuse to take lobbyist and PAC money.

By MIKE BAKER 07.24.07, 5:28 PM ET

==RALEIGH, N.C. -

Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards, who reiterated his commitment Tuesday to never accept campaign donations from special interest groups, has returned thousands of dollars from lobbyists.

Edwards spokeswoman Colleen Murray said the campaign returned some money donated by a registered lobbyist last week, and money from two others was refunded Tuesday after The Associated Press inquired about the donations.

"We take every precaution possible, but sometimes people slip through, and when we find lobbyist money we refund it immediately," said Edwards spokeswoman Colleen Murray.

Edwards has long eschewed campaign donations from lobbyists and political action committees, a stand dating to his first run at political office - a successful campaign in 1998 for a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina. Asked about that policy Tuesday during a campaign event in Georgetown, S.C., Edwards firmly declared himself clean of special interest donations.

"I've never taken political contributions from Washington lobbyists or PACs of any kind, and I'll continue to do that," Edwards said, drawing applause during a town hall at a Steelworkers Union Hall.==

Read the rest at http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/24/ap3947601.html

[rinsd]

1. Good for Edwards, walking the walk. (nt)

[Merlot]

2. This is rarely mentioned when totals are compaired

He'd be a lot closer to Clinton and Obama if he took PACs.

[rinsd]

5. Its rarely mentioned because it isn't true. Hillary has gotten $1/2 M from PACS, Obama a measly $5k

Edwards could take in 50 times their combined amount and it still wouldn't put him up there with them.

http://opensecrets.org/pres08/index.asp?cycle=2008

[Double T]

3. If he will actually do what he claims, Edwards is exactly what this nation needs......

as President.

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. And here's the breakdown so far for PAC money accepted by all candidates

http://opensecrets.org/pres08/index.asp?cycle=2008

[draft_mario_cuomo]

6. Thanks for the link nt