Edwards picks up support in state

Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards on Wednesday announced a group of Nevada veterans who support him, including a current and a former state legislator.

Assemblyman Joe Hogan, D-Las Vegas, and former state Sen. Joe Neal will serve as co-chairmen of the 43-member Nevada Veterans for Edwards, according to the campaign of the former North Carolina senator and former vice presidential nominee.

"I am proud to have the support of so many Nevada veterans who know America can and must do more for our heroes and their families," Edwards said in a prepared statement.

Hogan is a veteran of the Navy, while Neal served in the Air Force. The list includes veterans from throughout the state who have served in conflicts from World War II to the current war in Iraq.

Hogan, a former federal government worker, has served two terms in the Assembly.

Neal was the first black man elected to the state Senate and served 32 years as a representative from North Las Vegas. In 2002, he was the Democratic nominee for governor, losing to incumbent Republican Kenny Guinn.

Although all are being persistently wooed by presidential campaigns in advance of Nevada's early nominating contest in January, most Democrats in the state Legislature haven't yet endorsed a candidate.