Sen. John Kerry has selected Sen. John Edwards as his running-mate on the Democratic ticket as a candidate for vice president of the United States. He first released the information Tuesday morning to his e-mail supporters. ‘In the next 120 days and in the administration that follows, John Edwards and I will be fighting for the America we love. We’ll be fighting to give the middle class a voice by providing good paying jobs and affordable healthcare. … We’ll be fighting to build a strong military and lead strong alliances, so young Americans are never put in harm’s way because we insisted on going it alone,’ Sen. Kerry said.
‘The selection of Sen. Edwards solidifies the most pro-gay, pro-family ticket in the history of presidential politics,’ said Dave Noble, National Stonewall Democrats executive director. ‘Sen. Edwards has loudly demonstrated his support for our community and now our community is ready to stand with him. The Kerry/Edwards ticket greatly contrasts with a Republican ticket that insists on running a campaign that demeans our families and smears our community.’
Edwards has held a strong record on issues of equality since being elected U.S. Senator from North Carolina in 1998. Along with Kerry, Edwards has actively promoted tax equity for same-sex couples, employment non-discrimination legislation, equitable enforcement of federal hate-crimes laws, and recognition of civil unions. The Kerry/Edwards ticket also supports extending federal benefits to same-sex couples. Neither supports same-sex marriage.