Edwards: Wife’s cancer relapse won’t slow 2008 run

Cancer has returned and spread to the bone of Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it won’t affect his campaign, he said today.

At a news conference in Chapel Hill, N.C., the couple announced the development moments ago. Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer about the same day Edwards and John Kerry lost the 2004 presidential race, and they waited for news that her recovery was complete before he began his second presidential run this year.

But there’s always a chance cancer will return.

“The campaign goes on strongly,” John Edwards said during the news conference. “When this happens, you have a choice. You can go cower in the corner and hide, or you can stand tough and fight for what you believe in.”

In the polls, Edwards is third among Democratic contenders. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is generally considered fourth among those who are in the race. In addition, Richardson and Edwards are considered the two most likely to win the early caucuses in Nevada in January.

Before the announcement, there had been widespread speculation that Edwards might suspend or quit his campaign, which would have greatly benefited Richardson. That apparently won’t happen.

“I’m absolutely ready for this,” Elizabeth Edwards said.

The cancer relapse was found after Elizabeth Edwards cracked a rib this week. A scan revealed the malignant tumor in a rib. Bone tumors are not curable, but they are treatable. She will have cancer for the rest of her life.

“The key is to keep your head up and keep moving, be strong,” John Edwards said. “We intend to do that.”

Elizabeth Edwards said the cancer is, at this point, asymptomatic, and she doesn’t expect her life to be significantly different for 2-3 years, though she said medication may slow her a bit. The two are now headed to the East Coast and California for campaign stops.

John Edwards has a great deal of support in New Mexico. His most visible ally is former Attorney General and congressional candidate Patricia Madrid.

Update, 12:55 p.m.

Richardson’s campaign released this statement:

“Barbara and I send our thoughts and prayers to Elizabeth and John as they deal with this latest challenge. Elizabeth has been an inspiration and role model to all of us with her courageous and very public fight against breast cancer,” Richardson said. “I am hopeful and optimistic that Elizabeth will continue to win her fight. In the meantime, we should all redouble our commitment to supporting efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.”