Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Texas) thrashed Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s record on veteran’s issues Sunday, showing off a part of his skill set that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) believes would make him a strong running mate for Democratic standard-bearer Barack Obama.  

On a conference call with reporters arranged by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Edwards said that despite McCain’s well known military biography, voters should question whether they “really know” the Arizona senator’s history on veterans issues.

Republican National Committee spokesman Alex Conant dismissed Edwards' charges and pointed to McCain's military experience.

"Veterans deserve a commander in chief who has the experience and judgment to fight for them in the White House," Conant said. "But Barack Obama lacks both experience and judgment. Considering McCain's strong record of fighting for his fellow veterans, it's sad the DNC would try to play politics with veterans issues."

The Edwards' call was designed to preempt McCain’s speech Monday to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention in Orlando, Florida.

When asked about Obama’s vice presidential choices, Pelosi has consistently named Edwards, calling him “talented” and “principled” and boasting about his “extraordinary credentials.”  

Edwards demonstrated those credentials on defense and military issues, rattling off votes and showing off his institutional knowledge gained as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.

For those who believe Obama needs to bolster his defense credentials, Edwards certainly fits the bill. But Edwards’ vote to authorize the Iraq war, as well his low national profile, may rule him out from joining the ticket.

Still, Edwards left the door open to being Obama’s running mate Sunday, saying it is “a privilege to be considered,” but adding that the choice will be the Illinois Democrat’s to make.