(Washington, D.C.) –In spite of John Edwards’ short time in the Senate, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) said today that he has a long record of voting against taxpayers.  “Out of a possible 100 percent, Sen. Edwards has a lifetime CCAGW congressional rating of 13 percent.  He consistently looks for ways to spend tax dollars and his failing grade proves it,” said Tom Schatz, president of CCAGW.  “Taxpayers need to review his record carefully.  Since 1999, Edwards’ ratings have been 9, 11 15, 19, and 13 percent, respectively.”

Since 1989, CCAGW has scored members of Congress based on its review of numerous votes on tax and fiscal policy.  “The votes we review are of interest to every American taxpayer,” Schatz said.  They are a strong indication of how a member of Congress acts on wasteful spending.”

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the federal government spends between $33.7 and $56.2 billion annually for malpractice coverage for programs such as Medicare, and the costs of defensive medicine.  Passing reasonable limits on non-economic damages would reduce those costs to $28.1-$50.6 billion a year.  “Being a trial lawyer, it is not surprising the Sen. Edwards voted against medical malpractice reform last year.  Obviously he cares more about his special interest – trial lawyers – than taxpayers,” added Schatz.  In 1999, Sen. Edwards even voted against a bill to limit lawsuits and damages from potential Y2K computer failures.

“When he has had the opportunity to reduce taxes and return money to the taxpayer, he just says ‘no,’” said Schatz.  “He refused to eliminate the marriage penalty in 2001.  In 2000, he voted against reducing taxes on Social Security benefits from 80 to 50 percent, as well as repealing the death tax.  If Sen. Edwards had his way, the government would be much larger and personal wealth far smaller.”

One of the cornerstones of President Reagan’s Grace Commission was the closing and realignment of military bases.  Since 1988, taxpayers have saved $17 billion with an annual recurring savings of $7 billion.  “The military base closing commissions have been a huge success, saving the Pentagon and taxpayers billions of dollars while improving national security,” said Schatz.  “But last year, Sen. Edwards voted to cancel the entire 2005 round of base closings, and this year he voted for a watered down version that would only affect overseas bases.”

“CCAGW considers John Edwards to be hostile to taxpayers.  His 13 percent rating means he has voted against their interests 87 percent of the time in his six years in Congress.  This is a record that deserves to be examined carefully by every American,” Schatz concluded.

CCAGW is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to eliminating government waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement.