Edwards calls for drug changes

FARGO, N.D. — Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards called for changes to prescription drug programs and praised running mate John Kerry's military and government service at an outdoor campaign rally here Saturday.

Continuing a push to court older voters, Edwards told an crowd of about 2,800 that he and Kerry would "stand up to these drug companies and stand up for the American people."

The North Carolina senator said that as president, Kerry would allow lower-cost prescription medications to be reimported from Canada and free the government to negotiate lower drug prices from drug companies.

He also said drug advertisements should include information about generic equivalents: "The American people need to know when there's a cheaper, equally good alternative."

President Bush has opposed legalizing drug imports based on safety concerns, and his campaign says Bush has secured through Congress the biggest improvement in senior health care since Medicare was established.

Edwards praised Kerry's record in the military and government, saying the Massachusetts senator has been dedicated to serving the United States since his days in Vietnam.

"Where I come from, where you come from, a man who loves his country enough to volunteer to serve . . . that's someone who represents real American values," he said.

North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan and Rep. Earl Pomeroy, Democrats who are running for re-election this year, introduced Edwards. Joe Satrom, the Democratic candidate for governor, also spoke at the rally.

Edwards' Fargo visit was salve for North Dakota Democrats angered by the party ticket's decision to bypass the state in the 2000 campaign.

The state's Democratic congressional delegation — Dorgan, Pomeroy and Sen. Kent Conrad — asked Edwards and Kerry to campaign in North Dakota.

Despite having three Democrats in Congress, North Dakota has gone to Republicans in every presidential election since 1964. President Bush claimed the state's three electoral votes in 2000 after winning 61 percent of the popular vote.