Edwards' Cabinet List Includes GOP Names

The Associated Press reports:

Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards carries a running list of people he might put in his Cabinet, and it includes "more than one" Republican.

"I want to be ready for when I get sworn in," the former North Carolina senator said between campaigns stops as he dug into a travel bag for the list.

"I might have it with me," Edwards told The Associated Press. "I wouldn't show it to you, but I could have it with me."

He didn't hand over the list, nor did he commit to putting Republicans in his Cabinet.

"No, because the test for me is not whether they're Democratic or Republican. The test is how competent they are and whether they're the best person for the job, and to make a decision about who's best to choose you have to spend time talking to them," said the 2004 Democratic vice presidential candidate.

Would he name a Republican vice presidential nominee?

"I don't think so because my view about Cabinet positions is different than the vice presidency," Edwards said. "I think the vice president needs to be someone who shares my vision for the country and that's much more likely, obviously, to be a Democrat."

Edwards didn't go as far as rival Bill Richardson, who has said that as the Democratic nominee he would give voters a preview of his Cabinet before Election Day.

"It would have independents, Republicans and Democrats. Don't worry, I won't overdo the Republicans," Richardson told a Democratic audience in July.

Also on Saturday, Edwards dismissed critics who question his sincerity and point to stories about his pricey hair cut, big home and hedge fund job.

"They're look for something to criticize about. It's what comes with running for president. If you're not ready to be criticized, you shouldn't run for president," Edwards said. "I mean, I know who I am. I know I haven't changed at all. I'm the same person I've always been."