VP Watch

Tipsters did what tipsters do, and they tipped us to a nascent House-based campaign to whip up support for Texas Rep. Chet Edwards as Barack Obama's running mate.

Pennsylvania Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz is leading the charge -- apparently independently of Edwards, whose name was first floated to Obama's veep vetters by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Schwartz is a rising star in Democratic circles -- and a frequent cable television surrogate for Obama -- whose district straddles northeast Philadelphia and some of its critical-in-November suburbs.

We obtained a copy of a letter Schwartz recently sent to the Obama campaign in support of Edwards. Here's some of what the second-termer had to say about the chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that deals with military construction and veterans issues:

"Both to win the election and to succeed in implementing Sen. Obama's bold ideas to meet the challenges before us, Congressman Edwards would be a tremendous asset ... He is principled, thoughtful, and he is deeply respected by his colleagues. Few have the credibility he has on veterans' issues. Few are as broadly admired within Congress ...

Certainly, Pennsylvania will be key to victory. Women, older voters, and suburban voters will all be necessary to achieve this win ... Chet Edwards would help Sen. Obama win in swing districts like mine and in states like Pennsylvania...

Chet Edwards  would provide strong support to the new administration by engaging Members of Congress to pass critical legislation: health care for all Americans; comprehensive energy policy; new tax policy; and an end to war in Iraq, bringing our troops home safely and responsibly..."

Her office declined to comment on the letter, but a spokeswoman echoed its sentiments by saying that Schwartz "believes that Chet Edwards is incredibly principled, widely respected within the House, and has a reputation for being a leader on the key issues facing America."

Edwards is a dark horse, for sure. But as Mel Brooks would tell fans of the spoof film Spaceballs, "Never underestimate the power of the Schwartz ..."