Edwards' hometown pins hopes on 2008

[JohnLocke]

Edwards' hometown pins hopes on 2008
By Nomee Landis--Fayetteville Observer
Sunday, January 7, 2007
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ROBBINS — Years ago, folks drove from Asheboro or Carthage to work in this small northern Moore County town.
The town’s industries supported thriving main street shops, a bowling alley and movie theaters. Robbins prospered.
Then the mills closed. So did the Perdue chicken plant. Other smaller businesses followed. Some people moved away. Many stayed but took jobs in towns or counties miles away.
Town leaders are working hard to bring business back to Robbins. With new prospects in the planning stages, they are hopeful.
Some other townspeople are placing their hopes somewhere else, too: with native son John Edwards.
Edwards, a one-time U.S. senator who calls Robbins home, announced last month in New Orleans that he would seek the Democratic nomination for president.
Whether or not they agree with Edwards’ politics, townspeople believe a hometown boy in the Oval Office would be a boon for Robbins. And they are proud they have raised a candidate.
Many Robbins residents know Edwards and his family personally and have kept a close eye on his burgeoning political career since 1998. That is when Edwards beat Republican Lauch Faircloth to win his Senate seat. Some said even then that Edwards, with his charisma, his smarts and his penchant for success, would aspire to a greater office.
John L. Frye Sr. has lived in Robbins most of his 87 years. He plays golf with Edwards’ father, Wallace Edwards, twice a week. Frye’s son, John Jr., played football with John Edwards in high school.
Frye Sr. was mayor of Robbins for 20 years, back when the town bustled in the 1960s and ’70s.
“He would make us a Jim-dandy president,” Frye said. “We would be proud of him.”
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Brown said he was impressed with Edwards’ speech announcing his candidacy. Edwards said the United States should reduce the number of troops in Iraq and help find solutions to global warming, poverty and domestic dependence on foreign oil.
Brown particularly liked Edwards’ references to making your own success.
“That says a lot about where he is from,” Brown said. “He has spoken about home and the people who have influenced him.”
Brown said he believes Edwards has the people skills, sincerity and dynamic personality needed to be president.
“He thinks he can help,” Brown said, “And I believe he can.”
Having a president from Robbins could only bring positive tidings to a struggling hometown, too, Brown added.
“By him running, it gives places such as ours hope,” Brown said. “Who wouldn’t be for your hometown to be put on the map?”
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Edwards might have just the fresh perspective that the nation needs right now, said Capt. Alan Sessoms of the Robbins Police Department. He said he believes America is looking for a leader with a different approach, instead of the “same old political machine.” John Edwards’ chances are as good an anyone else’s, he said.
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