John Edwards to Address National Conference in Portland

John Edwards visits Portland this Friday Photo courtesy: sohoblues.com

(PORTLAND) - John Edwards, former U.S. Senator from North Carolina and 2004 vice presidential candidate, will be in Portland on Friday to address the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women.

Edwards` speech, `Restoring the American Dream: Fighting Poverty and Strengthening the Middle Class," is expected to draw about 400 conference attendees, elected officials and members of the public.

Senate President Peter Courtney, Senator Margaret Carter and other officials also will make brief remarks at the event.

Founded in 1985, NOBEL/Women is a non-profit, non-partisan organization composed of current and former black female legislators from 39 states. Senators Carter, Avel Gordly and Jackie Winters are members.

The group advocates for black women in government and for public policies to improve the economic, social and political lives of all women. This is the organization`s first annual conference in Oregon.