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• THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
ELECTION
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2004
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Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) thanks singers Jackson Browne and Michelle Branch during a benefit concert for his campaign in Boston Monday.
The Associated Press
Kerry selects V.P.; decision causes stir
By John Scheirman jscheirman@kansan.com Kansan staff writer
An informal survey of University of Kansas students and Lawrence political observers found a variety of reactions to the announcement by U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, that he had selected U.S. Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) as his vice presidential running mate.
Rachel Hile Bassett, Lawrence recent graduate, said she thought Edwards would win Kerry some votes, because he's very personable.
"For Kerry, it was a good decision," said August Baker, Leavenworth sophomore. "I'm kind of hoping he doesn't win, though." Baker said he thought President George W.Bush would win re-election in November.
"I see Edwards as being perceived as more warm and likeable than Kerry, and I think that will help him to get some votes." Bassett said.
Marilyn Greathouse, Democratic Party chairwoman for Douglas County, agreed that Edwards would be an asset to the Kerry ticket.
"I think Edwards will bring a lot of enthusiasm to the race, a lot of fresh ideas. I think he will stand up for the common man, and that has been lacking in this present administration," Greathouse said.
She said she thought the outcome of the election would be Kerry and Edwards.
Justin McFarland, Lenexa senior and president of the College Republicans, expressed a different view.
"Judging by what we've seen the past week, there hasn't been either an increase or a decrease for John Kerry." McFarland
said. "I really don't think it's going to make that much of a difference. I'm not going to vote for Kerry no matter who his running mate is."
Burdett Loomis, professor and department chairman of political science, said Kerry's selection of Edwards was the most obvious choice. The polling data tends to show that it was well-received. As for Edwards' impact on the election outcome, Loomis said, it's rare that a vicepresidential nominee makes much of a difference.
"My estimation is that he's more likely to have an impact on some of the contested states in the Midwest, where I think his populist message plays well," Loomis said.
Comparing Edwards with Vice President Dick Cheney as a presidential running mate, Kathleen Daughety, president of the KU Young Democrats, said, "They're two very different characters. I think John Edwards is working for the people rather than for the vested interests."
Daughhey said the Young Democrats were pleased that Kerry selected Edwards. "He really brings a lot to the ticket. He is young and from the South, and has a lot of good policy ideas as well. He represents the future of the Democratic Party."
Chris Miller, Republican chairman for Douglas County, said he wasn't surprised that Kerry chose Edwards.
"It's an interesting choice — Edwards' background — the fact that he's a trial attorney," he said.
There's a good chance that Kerry and Edwards will carry the city of Lawrence in November, Miller said.
Edited by Joe Burke