Edwards’ selection as Kerry running mate draws mixed Kansas reaction

Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry’s pick today of John Edwards as his vice presidential running mate produced partisan reaction in Kansas.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, said Kerry’s selection of Edwards, a one-term senator from North Carolina, was “an inspired choice.”

“Adding John Edwards completes this team and signals that John Kerry is committed to revitalizing America’s economy, creating jobs, strengthening schools and providing working familes with affordable health care and prescription drugs,” Sebelius said.

Kansas Republican Party Chairman Dennis Jones blasted Edwards, describing him as an “East Coast liberal” and criticizing him for being a former trial lawyer.

“By picking a trial attorney with less than a decade of experience for the second-most important job in the country, the Democrats are clearly showing that they’re more interested in representing special interests than mainstream America,” Jones said.