(CNN) – Two years is a long time in politics.
The man who was on then-candidate Barack Obama's shortlist for a running mate in 2008 is now touting his staunch opposition to the president.
Democratic Rep. Chet Edwards – the longtime congressman who faces an uphill battle for reelection in his conservative-leaning Texas district - launched a new ad Friday that declares, "When President Obama and Nancy Pelosi pressured Chet Edwards, Chet stood up to them and voted no."
The ad – among the toughest this election cycle from a Democrat who is distancing himself from the president – specifically touts Edwards' no votes on health care reform and cap and trade, as well as several other votes the Democratic leadership has opposed.
"Chet votes with the conservative Chamber of Commerce sixty-seven percent of the time," the ad states.
Edwards, who has represented parts of central Texas (including former President George W. Bush's hometown of Crawford) since 1991, is battling Republican businessman Bill Flores to hold onto his seat. Polling is sparse, but some have suggested Edwards is down by more than 10 points.
Flores has repeatedly attempted to link Edwards with Washington Democrats in this cycle of anti-incumbency, launching a recent ad that said, "Chet's silent about voting with Nancy Pelosi 96 percent of the time."
Megan Jacobs, Edwards' communication's director, said the congressman will continue to show his distance from his Democratic colleagues back in Washington.
"We've always talked about how Chet is an independent, and will continue to do so," she told CNN.
From CNN Politics
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Weak. That's all.
As a Democrat this is one seat I wouldn;t mind conceding to the republicans, who needs this turn coat , this is the time to stand united against all the teabagger retards
Cnn your headline is very misleading, President Obama is not under fire. What a load of crap. If he jumps ship he jumps ship. President Obama is still #1, he's still gorgeous, and he still the bomb.
So sail away chet
Why all of a sudden those DEMOCRATS who are fighting for their job blames President Obama!!!!
STAND UP and FIGHT for what you were elected for Edwards!!! You SHOULD lose because you are a typical 'wimpy' Democrat who tends to BLAME others for your shortfalls!!!
Stand UP for Democratic Principles and be a man!!! If you happen to win – your constituents should VOTE YOU OUT in the next elections!!!
Come on DEMOCRATS – STATE a good CASE – UNITE the BASE so we will WIN this RACE in November!! We cannot UNITE the BASE listening to Edwards!!!
I'm T'SAH from Virginia – the Liberal – and approve this message!!
just what the Dems need right now a DINO coming out against the president. One thing Ronald Reagan said that was an unwritten law was NO REPUBLICAN SHOULD SPEAK ILL OF ANOTHER REPUBLICAN.Of course today all of that is out of the window but Democrats can never get anything done as long as they have guys like this in the party. A maverick? I doubt it...more of a DINO if you ask me.
Nice job coward.
Chet Edwards is a puss with no vision for the future. I would rather have a Republican in his seat instead of this back stabbing punk.
duh...he's been planning this since Jan 2009
Did you not read thee part of the article that says "conservative-leaning Texas district"? Yeah. He was never going to vote for it or myriad other things the Dems wanted to try to do to help us.
Small Business lending bill creates jobs. Small Business lending bill puts $30 billion dollar into Main St. for Small Business Lending Bill because most jobs in our neighborhood are small business jobs, even healthcare is small business jobs. Republicans said no many times because Republican strategy is to NOT let jobs get created to lie to America to say that Dems didn't do much to create jobs. Republicans strategy is to win and take us back to Bush policy which endangered childrens future and bought America to the ditch.
Throughout October more jobs will get created because House only need to vote once and then Obama signs to create jobs again. With too many unemployment rates and people struggling to make ends-meet, Democrats are serious and they're the ones passing Small Business Lending Bill because most jobs are small business. Republicans are only playing games. Christine O'Donnell is NUTS; she don't know anything. Christine O'Donnell is a big crackhead like Sarah Palin.
What a whore. Or should I say "Puta." I hope he loses. The Dems can do without any more members lacking testicles.
Probably a Blue Dog – TRAITOR!!!!!! I hope he looses his election.
Here may be one of the few democrats that actually holds on to his seat. People will be voting for opposition to Obama policies in November. This guy has a head start.
Alex September 17th, 2010 2:46 pm ET
mistake. Republicans will vote for Republicans and Democrats will vote for Democrats,
-----------------------
In 12 short words you just described the problem with the political system today!
This great country is in the fight of its life because of failed Republican policies. The president is under stealth attack by the likes of the Koch brothers and Rupert Murdoch who do not want to pay any taxes whatsoever who promote evil rumours such as death squads and other nonsense. The entire country and party will be stonger presenting a unified front to the idiocy the Republicans now represent.
I'm sure by the time 2012 presidential reelection time rolls around there will be a lot more Dems opposed to his 2nd term. I think Hillary's time to lead will be upon us.
you gutless wonder. you should have... done the right thing
Big deal. I didn't know it was breaking news for Dems to disagree with the President. Obama is more moderate than most people think; as a result, he will often get criticized from both parties – crazy liberals and ultra crazy conservatives. The news media does a good job shaping voter opinions.
I hope he loses, as he is a gutless opportunist.
What a desperate fool.
Most of you are missing the point, as usual! This guy is from a conservative leaning district. As A Democrat his vote better reflect that, if he wants another term. In his situation, is not about his PARTY, it has to be about his DISTRICT!
@ welches, oregon- "You know, It would have been a great health care reform bill if the GOP hadn't obstructed every move"
What was so great about the bill? Did you read all 2800 pages? Do you like the government making you do things? Do you feel the government should just give you things without earning it? You sound like a child that doesnt want to move out of his parents house and start paying for things himself.
It's remarkable and comical how so many democrats are
acting like Republicans to stay in office.
Maybe this will wake up the stupid half of America who ousted
the Republicans two years ago.
Doesn't take long to want to smell roses again after the poop
is smeared in your face, does it ?
Smart Democrat – he may even get re-elected with that attitude (unlike others).
The GOP extension of tax breaks to the top three percent of the wealthiest people will add more to the deficit than the health care bill and TARP combined. This is nothing more than politics at it's worst.
A sensible Democrat. How unusual. Almost as unusual as a sensible Republican.