Edwards Campaign Press Release - Edwards Wins Support Of Key North Dakota Elected Officials

Gains Support of North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, Senate and House Democratic Leaders and a Majority of the Democratic Members of Both Houses

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that 38 prominent Democratic leaders in North Dakota endorsed Senator John Edwards for president. Among those endorsing Edwards are North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, North Dakota Senate Minority Leader David O'Connell, North Dakota House Minority Leader Merle Boucher, and the majority of Democratic members in each chamber of the Legislature.

"I am honored to have the support of these outstanding leaders," said Edwards. "They work hard each day to represent the values of North Dakota's working and middle class families and I am proud to have them involved in my campaign." North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson said: "John Edwards will fight to improve the lives of middle class North Dakotans and working Americans. He understands that creating fairness for family farmers is part of building the middle class and moving America forward. I am proud to endorse him."

Senate Minority Leader David O'Connell commented: "As we work to take back the North Dakota Senate, I am proud to have John Edwards as a partner in bringing hope and prosperity to all Americans. The majority of Democrats from both chambers agree that John Edwards is the strongest presidential candidate in the field. He relates to our values and can communicate with the people of our state."

House Minority Leader Merle Boucher added: "North Dakota legislators representing both rural and urban areas from across the state are united behind John Edwards' candidacy. We believe he is the best candidate to move our party and our nation forward."

The 38 prominent Democratic leaders in North Dakota supporting John Edwards for president are:

Statewide officials:

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson

Senate endorsers:

Senate Minority Leader David O'Connell

Sen. Arden Anderson

Sen. Art Behm

Sen. Joan Heckaman

Sen. Richard Marsellais

Sen. Tim Mathern

Sen. Tracy Potter

Sen. Tom Seymour

Sen. Harvey Tallackson

Sen. Constance Triplett

Sen. John Warner

House endorsers:

House Minority Leader Merle Boucher

Rep. Ole Aarsvold

Rep. Tracy Boe

Rep. Rod Froelich

Rep. Chris Griffin

Rep. Ed Gruchalla

Rep. Lyle Hanson

Rep. Bob Hunskor

Rep. Lee Kaldor

Rep. Jim Kerzman

Rep. Joe Kroeber

Rep. Ralph Metcalf

Rep. Arlo Schmidt

Rep. Jasper Schneider

Rep. Dorvan Solberg

Rep. Elwood Thorpe

Rep. Clark Williams

Rep. Steve Zaiser

Notable Democrats:

Sarah Vogel, Former North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner

Bruce Hagen, Former North Dakota Public Service Commissioner

Brent Edison, 2006 Dem-NPL Candidate for North Dakota Tax Commissioner

Jim Fuglie, Former Executive Director, North Dakota Dem-NPL Party

Max Laird, Former President of North Dakota Education Association

Dem-NPL State Party Treasurer Tim Purdon

State Dem-NPL Executive Committee Regional Rep. Nancy Gooch

State Dem-NPL Executive Committee Regional Rep. Chad Nodland