Edwards represents possibly the most Republican district currently held by a Democrat. In what would be a delicious irony for Democrats, his most famous constituent is President Bush, whose Crawford ranch is smack in the middle of his district.

He is, as they say, telegenic. Trim and square-jawed, Edwards has the reassuring face of a small-town anchorman.

For years, he represented Fort Hood, the largest Army base in the world. As chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee, he has built up expertise and valuable connections in military issues. And last year, he shepherded one of Pelosi’s top priorities, a record increase in veterans’ healthcare funding.

That experience will be on display again this week as he manages the veterans’ affairs funding bill on the House floor in the wake of Obama’s visit to Capitol Hill.