A Bifurcated Wind

Former US Senator John Edwards sees the Katrina aftermath as an opportunity to end ALL poverty in the "Two Americas" -- or at least for the one in which he definitely does NOT reside. Naturally, this topic falls nicely in line with his current gig as director of the UNC School of Law's Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity. And just what DOES that position entail?

So far the former Senator seems to be spending most of his time AWAY from the UNC campus, traveling around the country and speaking to various groups (the Katrina comments were made Monday in a speech to the Center for American Progress in DC). Not only that, but he's been working with questionable political organizations, and doing fundraising for political campaigns, too.

All in a day's work for this politician in his supposedly "non-partisan" position. Edwards' position is privately funded -- making him an EPA (exempt from the personnel act) employee. You can see why, since IF his position was subject to the act, then this would apply:

"... employees... may not:

- Take an active part in managing a campaign, campaign for political office or otherwise engage in political activity during working hours

- Use the position’s authority or use state funds, equipment, supplies or vehicles to support or oppose a candidate, party or issue of an election

- Promise rewards to a state employee or applicant for state employment to gain support for or a contribution to a candidate or party*

- Threaten the employment of another state employee or applicant for failure to support or contribute to a political candidate or committee*

* Such actions are subject to criminal penalties under the law

Even still, my question is just how does he get to spend so much paid time away from the office? Is campaigning and speaking to political groups part of his "non-partisan" position? Sounds like partisan politics to me.

UPDATE: (Tuesday 9/20/05 at 11:10pm) Clarified Edwards position as privately funded, not technically a "state job".