Edwards pressed for decision

[Freddie Stubbs]

Potential candidates want to know presidential hopeful's Senate plans

WATERLOO, Iowa -- U.S. Sen. John Edwards and his family shoved off Wednesday on a high-visibility bus tour of Iowa, the first presidential caucus state, as pressure mounted in North Carolina for a decision on whether he will seek re-election to the Senate.
In an interview in Raleigh with News & Observer editors, Marc Basnight, president pro tem of the state Senate, said Edwards' indecision about seeking re-election in 2004 is "hurting other candidates" who might run if Edwards does not.

"I think he should turn them loose," said Basnight, one of the most powerful Democrats in the state. "I think you have to choose, and it's a late time to be choosing."

Edwards remained quiet about his intentions Wednesday.

"I just haven't made that decision at this point. ... I'll decide later," he told reporters traveling with him on the "Real Solutions Express," a 45-foot campaign bus that is carrying Edwards around Iowa this week and will take him through New Hampshire next week.

more: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/2775451p-2572106c.html