Edwards Campaign Press Release - Edwards Gains Support In New Jersey

Summit, New Jersey – As Senator John Edwards visits New Jersey today to tour a stem cell research facility with former New Jersey governor and New Jersey state Senate President Richard Codey, he received the support of several prominent New Jersey leaders.

"John Edwards is the best chance Democrats have to win the White House and make a real difference in the lives of America's families," said Assemblymember John McKeon. "John Edwards has detailed plans to build a better America -- plans to guarantee universal health care, end poverty in America, fight global warming and end the war in Iraq. I am proud to support his candidacy and work with him to improve the lives of all Americans."

Codey endorsed Edwards in February saying, "John Edwards has the leadership qualities and the experience to lead this nation. John Edwards also has the best vision to put a Democrat back in the White House."

The Democrats endorsing Edwards for president are:

• State Senator Joe Vitale - Deputy Majority Leader, District 19
• State Senator Stephen M. Sweeney - District 3
• State Senator Nick Scutari - District 22
• Assemblymember John McKeon - District 27
• Assemblymember Michael Panter - District 12
• Pat Gillespie - Old Bridge Council President
• Byron Arnao - Council Member, Glen Rock
• Bob Davison - Council Member, Caldwell
• Daniel J. Carluccio - former Ocean City Prosecutor, Ocean County activist
• Peter Eagler - former Assemblymember and Clifton Councilman
• A.J. Sabath - former Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development; currently State Senate President Codey's Chief of Staff
• Tim Carden - former Cabinet Secretary to the Governor and Commissioner of Human Services
• Amy Rosen - Chief Operating Officer, New Visions for Public Schools
• Michael Beson - former Chief of Staff to Congressman Pallone, Jr; Ocean Twp Board of Education member; former Mayor of Neptune; Chair of Howard Dean's 2004 campaign in New Jersey
• Gene Mulroy - Principal at Mulroy, LiCausi & Gibbs, LLC; original member of New Jersey Kerry for President Campaign and long-time democratic strategist
• Rick Wright - former Chief of Staff to Governor James Florio Deputy State Treasurer; New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Energy under President Carter; National Finance Chair for Bradley for President
• Chris Placitella - Cohen, Placitella & Roth; Past President, New Jersey Trial Lawyers
• Blair MacInnes - Founding Blair MacInnes, Founding trustee and Honorary Chair of NJ SEEDS, former trustee, Drew University, political activist
• Ed Farmer - former Chief of Staff to Congressman Pallone
• Nathan Rudy - former Councilman of North Plainfield; Blue 7th PAC; Somerset County Activist
• Jeff Gardner - Democracy for America Organizer; LGBT leader and political activist