Edwards Won't Join Obama Cabinet

[ccharles000]

TX-17: Edwards Won't Join Obama Cabinet

Looks like we can cross off Chet Edwards from the House Open Seat Watch. Burnt Orange Report has the full press release:

"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. That is why I have informed President-elect Obama's transition team that I intend to continue representing the 17th Congressional District of Texas.
With my seniority in Congress and as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I believe I can do more for our military troops, our veterans and their families in my present position than I could as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. At the same time I can continue my work to improve roads, economic infrastructure and the quality of life in the 17th District, a district in which I have deep, personal roots.

While Chet would have made an excellent choice to head up Veterans Affairs, he's also the only Democrat who could hold his impossibly tough Texas district (old PVI: R+18). In fact, not even his re-election is assured here -- Edwards only pulled in 53% of the vote against a mostly invisible opponent earlier this month. Perhaps he'll fare better in a non-Presidential year, but Republicans will surely put more effort into recruiting a stronger challenger for him in 2010.

http://swingstateproject.com

[Bicoastal]

1. Phew.

[Nipper1959]

2. No Shit!

Duh.

[PBS Poll-435]

3. Good

Ol' Chet needs to stay where he is at.

If he wasn't a strong incumbent, that seat would easily go red.

[davidinalameda]

4. I thought this was about John Edwards

[tabbycat31]

5. so did i

[Rydz777]

6. I didn't know he was being considered. butI am glad that he

has cleared this up.

[ecstatic]

7. lol. nice subject line nt