Kerry picks former rival Edwards as running mate

DEMOCRAT John Kerry kicked his presidential campaign into full gear yesterday when he selected former rival, the charismatic Southerner John Edwards, to be his running mate.

Mr Kerry described the former trial lawyer and one-term senator as a man who showed "guts and determination and political skill" in his unsuccessful race for the party's presidential nomination.

As Mr Kerry announced his decision at a rally in Pittsburgh, a huge crowd of supporters burst into applause, waving handmade signs that mixed with professionally printed "Kerry-Edwards" placards.