Incumbent Chet Edwards, a Democrat, has served the central Texas district for 11 years, where he has established himself as an advocate for working families, improved schools and protecting the Social Security system for seniors. On critical votes, Edwards sided with the members of the IBEW 100 percent of the time. Edwards’ district includes the town of Crawford, where President Bush’s ranch is located. Edwards voted against granting President Bush fast track trade authority.

In a district drawn to include a Republican-friendly county, Edwards will again face 2000 challenger Ramsey Farley. A retired oil company executive and business owner, Farley is running with the help of President Bush, who has appeared in a campaign commercial. Farley is waging a negative campaign against Edwards.

The IBEW has 565 members in Texas’ 11^th District.1