Edwards blames lobbyists in new ad

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards is trying to broaden his reach in sending his message about American health care.

He’s to air a television ad today in New Hampshire that holds lobbyists responsible for keeping 47 million Americans without health insurance. The ad come a little more than a month ahead of the January 8th New Hampshire primary and it dovetails with his
criticism of his chief rivals’ health-care plans.

Edwards says there is no way to ensure health care for all citizens without fundamentally changing how Washington works.

The former North Carolina senator trails Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama in New Hampshire and remains in a tight race with them in Iowa, whose caucuses are set for January 3.

Edwards health proposal would require that all Americans sign up for health insurance. He estimates his plan could cost up to $120 billion and would be paid for with higher taxes.