After a private fundraising event, he talks about his views on top issues.

EDMOND -- Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards stopped in Edmond on Saturday for a private fundraising event.

"It was a huge crowd," Edwards said, though he didn't know how much money was raised.

More than 125 people attended the event at the home of Reggie and Rachelle Whitten, said Ward Curtin, an Edwards' campaign volunteer.

"I know they had an ambitious (fundraising) goal and they smashed it," Curtin said.

The former one-term U.S. senator from North Carolina spoke briefly by phone with the Tulsa World following the event, giving his views on the federal responses to a series of Oklahoma disasters, immigration, health care and lawsuit reform.

Edwards, John Kerry's running mate in his failed 2004 bid for president, said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has had serious issues for the last several years. State officials have been critical of FEMA's slow response to a series of requests for federal assistance in the wake of storms.

Edwards said he would ensure the person in charge of FEMA was aggressive in getting resources to those who are in need after a disaster.

On the issue of immigration, Edwards said the United States needs to secure its southern border. He does not support fencing the entire border but could support a fence in certain areas.

He supports increasing border agents, better use of technology and being "tough on employers who violate the law."

"I do not support amnesty," said Edwards, who favors "earned citizenship."

The path toward earned citizenship should include a fine, acknowledgement that the person was here illegally and the ability to speak English, Edwards said.

In the area of lawsuit reform -- a hot topic among local lawmakers -- Edwards, an attorney, said some areas of the jury system can be improved, such as ensuring that only serious and meritorious medical malpractice lawsuits get into the system.

"I do believe the jury system is the bedrock of our justice system," Edwards said.

Edwards said President Bush's approach to health care would deny coverage to millions. Oklahoma is among more than a dozen states expanding the income threshold to qualify for the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which covers about 6.1 million.

The Bush administration wants states to ensure they are covering the bulk of those with low incomes before expanding eligibility.

"Expansion of SCHIP is an important initial step" for decreasing the number of uninsured, Edwards said.

"We need universal health care so every man and woman is covered," Edwards said. "The health-care system doesn't work."

Barbara Hoberock (405) 528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com