Yesterday, as John Edwards spoke in New Orleans about suspending his presidential campaign and keeping up the fight against poverty, I sensed that his faith in his convictions was still strong. He wisely decided to forgo endorsing another candidate, which might cheapen all that he has accomplished in his proud and productive campaign for President.

Like many of his devoted supporters, I feel a great sadness for the loss of this critical voice in the presidential race. Frequently on his own, Edwards spoke for the poor in America and for bringing our troops home from Iraq. His articulate and passionate advocacy on these issues kept them in the forefront of this campaign. He was uncompromising in his determination to put our troops on planes and bring them home. He insisted that we stop turning our backs on Americans living in poverty.

While other Democrats have touted tax cuts for the middle class, John Edwards focused on those who don't even make enough money to pay taxes. He spoke eloquently about millions of forgotten Americans – families torn apart by poverty, malnourished children, the uninsured struggling with preventable and treatable conditions and the homeless. Through this entire campaign, he has never forgotten his commitment to them.

With the wisdom of a man who was confident in his ability to change, he realized his mistaken vote to authorize the Iraq War. He often apologized for making the wrong vote and like most converts, he was among the most passionate advocates for bringing our troops home. He not only realized that he was wrong, he learned from this mistake. He strongly opposed the recent Senate resolution labeling the Iranian Army a terrorist organization, knowing that Bush/Cheney would eventually use it to exert force against that nation.

Edwards' presence in the race forced some of the other candidates to evolve their strident pro-war stances and become advocates for troop reduction.

Time and time again, he would return to these issues of war and economic justice. His voice will be missed as a candidate, but I am sure this young and energetic man will continue to find a way to serve the people of this country. He has too much to offer and we have too much to learn from him.

Thank you, John Edwards.