nc_sen_EDWARDS
JOHN EDWARDS
Age: 45 Born: June 10, 1953 in Seneca, South Carolina Education: University of North Carolina, J.D. (1977); NC State University, B.S. (1974) Military: None Family: married - Elizabeth; 2 daughters Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina Religion: Methodist Career: Attorney |
• Political neophyte, John Edwards emerged from a field of seven Democratic candidates with more than 50% of the vote in the primary election in May.
• Edwards is the son of a North Carolina mill worker; he spent vacations also working at the mill. Growing up in a Republican household, he registered initially as an Independent, but claims to have been a Democrat for most of his adult life.
• In 1993, Edwards successfully represented the family of a young girl, 5-year old Valerie Lakey, who was seriously injured in a faulty pool drain accident. The jury's $30.9 Million award was the largest personal injury award in NC history. The incident prompted the State Assembly to pass legislation preventing future injuries and manufactures have also modified their products. In 1996, Lawyers Weekly USA named Edwards one of the eight 'Lawyers of the Year.'
• In the 1990's, Edwards has tried 63 personal injuries cases, winning at least $152.4 Million for his clients. His courtroom experience has given Edwards a telegenic quality that North Carolina voters were first introduced to through advertising that began in February.
• Standing six feet tall, Edwards is a true athlete. In high school, he lettered in football, track, basketball, and tennis. He jogs for an hour each day and has completed four marathons, including the D.C. Marine Corps Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon.
• His daughter, Emma, was born in April, 1998 with jaundice. She needed special lights at home for the condition, but the family was denied sufficient HMO fundig. He says this personal experience has made the Patient's Bill of Rights a cornerstone of this campaign. His fervent campaigning has forced his competitors to give Managed Care the same attention previously reserved for issues like Education and Social Security.
• In 1996, the Edwards' teenage son, Wade, was killed in a car accident. The death was devastating for the family; Edwards took more than a month's sabbatical. To honor their son's memory, the John and his wife founded a learning center in Raleigh. The after-school program provides computers and tutors for high school students.