EDWARDS BACKS MARCH AGAINST DRUG RAID DURING LOCAL STOP

Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards said he supported this
week's protest march against the police drug raid at Stratford High School,
claiming it will expand the dialogue on racial disparity in the South.

"I supported the march in North Charleston, particularly the way it was
done which broadened the discussion of issues of equality," Edwards said
Wednesday during a campaign stop in Charleston.

"Obviously what happened at Goose Creek is troublesome, particularly
because of the racial overtones," he said. "What I want to do as president
is lead this country to a place that the next generation does not have to
march for equality."

Edwards, a U.S. senator from North Carolina, visited a day-care center run
by the Zion-Olivet Presbyterian Church, where he stressed the need for
better education and health insurance to cover every child in South Carolina.

"Here are some of the obstacles we have to overcome: the 4,400 South
Carolinians who lost their jobs last month, the 100,000 kids who don't have
health care, and the two school systems we still have in America between
the haves and the have-nots," he said. "These challenges show us that too
much injustice still tugs on the soul of America."

Edwards has proposed a three-part plan to cover all children with health
care. Among its features are tax breaks for parents who get their children
high-quality health insurance. Parents would list their premiums on their
tax forms and get a percentage in return, his campaign said.

Some of those who heard Edwards speak Wednesday said they liked what they
heard but weren't ready to commit to any candidate ahead of the Democrat's
Feb. 3 presidential primary.

"I was just fascinated with his looks," said Thelma Simmons. "He made me
think of (John) Kennedy." But: "I'm undecided right now. We've got a little
ways to go yet."