Edwards Launches Intense Bus Swing With Veterans Focus

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

By MIKE GLOVER
AP Political Writer

DES MOINES, Iowa — Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards on Monday called for improved care for veterans injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Edwards, a former U.S. senator from North Carolina, said the nation needs a dedicated stream of funding to substantially increase and improve Veterans Affairs programs for those returning from war zones. Rather than consider a draft to ease the stress on the military, Edwards said the U.S. should quickly disengage from the conflict.

"We have an enormous responsibility to meet the needs of those coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan," said Edwards, before beginning a week-long, 31-stop bus tour of Iowa.

Campaign aides said Edwards would focus on a different policy area each day of his trip, beginning with Monday's discussion of how he would change the treatment of veterans.


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