July 16, 2004

John Edwards's Southern charms are said to add "balance" to the Democratic ticket, and even put into play some Southern states, at least forcing the Bush campaign to devote some time and resources to the region. But George Bush's home state of Texas?

Of course, this isn't 1960, and Edwards won't deliver the Lone Star State. But he can add value there. Quipped Texas Governor Rick Perry, "Senator Edwards only comes to Texas to raise personal injury trial lawyer money." And that, I'm afraid, he can deliver in spades. Two of the main "men behind the man," Fred Baron and John O'Quinn, are Texas attorneys (for more depth on these two, see our editor's recent column in the Wall Street Journal).

The tally from Edwards's most recent Texas visit? Over $500,000.