Congressman Chet Edwards Would Consider VA Post

Congressman Chet Edwards (D-Waco), who we told you last summer was likely to be considered for the Veterans Affairs post in an Obama administration after he was one of four candidates vetted for the vice presidential nomination, has said he would consider taking such a post if it was offered.

From the Austin American-Statesman:

A Texas congressman suggested as a candidate for Veterans Affairs secretary said Monday that he would have to consider whether he could be more effective in the Cabinet or Congress.

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards said he has not been approached by President-elect Obama, who considered him as a possible running mate.

“I would want to think long and hard,” Edwards, D-Waco, told The Associated Press at a groundbreaking for a new Fort Worth veterans outpatient clinic. “I wake up every day being blessed to represent my district, representing veterans … and we’ve done a lot of good things.”

Edwards is chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, which helped increase funding for veterans’ health care and benefits by $16.3 billion the last two years.

He also said he would have to consider whether he wanted to give up his position as the second-highest ranking Democrat on the Energy and Water Appropriations Committee. Edwards also serves on the House Budget and Appropriations committees and Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.

Edwards was re-elected last week to his 10th term representing the district that includes President Bush’s Crawford ranch.

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