(November 7, 2006)--Democratic Congressman Chet Edwards of Waco trounced a Republican challenger Tuesday to keep the district that includes President Bush's Crawford ranch as he defeated Iraq war veteran Van Taylor by about a 20 percent margin.

Republicans have tried repeatedly to oust Edwards, but the lawmaker from Waco is headed to a ninth two-year term.

Republicans said District 17, which stretches from Burleson and Granbury in North Texas to College Station and Navasota, was the most GOP district still represented by a Democrat.

Taylor attacked Edwards on illegal immigration and Social Security.

Edwards emphasized his work to keep open the Waco Veterans Affairs hospital and his appeal to voters in both parties.

He depicted Taylor as a newcomer who moved to the district from Dallas to run for the seat.

If Democrats hold onto their gains and take control of Congress next year, Edwards will be one of the most powerful lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

He’s poised to become chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Military Quality Life Subcommittee of the US House Appropriations Committee.

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