Gephardt Statement on Senator Edwards' Plan to Aid Carolina Textiles

[quinnox]

Rep. Dick Gephardt released the following statement today in response to Senator John Edwards' plan to aid Carolina textiles.

"The very problems with China trade cited by Senator Edwards in his plan to aid Carolina textiles were caused by a bad trade agreement that he supported. As a result of the China trade agreement, not only has the textile industry been devastated by an increasing flood of imports from China, but the furniture industry has as well. Town after town throughout the Carolinas has seen factory after factory and workshop after workshop shuttered. North and South Carolinas' textile and furniture workers needed Senator Edwards on their side four years ago when their jobs were on the line.

"I am the only candidate in this race who led the fight against NAFTA and the China trade agreement, which have cost South Carolina and the nation thousands of jobs. I know a bad trade deal from a good one."

I have mixed feelings about this, I like both Edwards and Gep. But I think Gep has a point, he was there when it counted opposing NAFTA, while Edwards supported it.

I think this is a political move to help Gephardt in South Carolina, because he is running strong there.

Anyway, I hope Gephardt keeps his focus on Dean for the time being, first win Iowa then concentrate on South Carolina.