He was stumping against poverty and in favor of raising New Jersey's minimum wage to a national high of $8.50 per hour. Edwards is touring the nation as chairman of the "Half-in-Ten Campaign" with a goal of reducing poverty in the United States by 50 percent over the next 10 years.
"This is the cause of my
life and I'm going to fight for it with all of my might," he said after
meeting privately with working families at the New Jersey Institute for
Social Justice.
The Democrat denied laying any groundwork to become the vice-presidential nominee for his party's presidential hopeful, Barack Obama.
"It's not a prelude to anything other than trying to help these people. I'm not seeking it. I don't expect to be asked," Edwards said, quickly adding, "But anything Sen. Obama said to me, I would take seriously."
He joined the New Jersey Policy Perspective and the national Raise the Wage Campaign in urging New Jersey to raise its $7.15-per-hour minimum wage. The rate ranks behind 13 other states and Washington, D.C., but matches New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
The hourly rate in North Carolina is at $6.15 per hour, but is due to rise to $6.55 on July 24, when the federal minimum hourly wage rises from $5.85 to $6.55.
Some economists say jobs are eliminated as the minimum wage is increased, causing employers to grapple with increased costs and rising union contracts that are based on minimum wage levels.
"Lifting the minimum wage does not lift people from poverty. It pushes them into unemployment," said Paul Tyahla of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey. He also cited federal reports showing 53 percent of people earning the federal minimum wage are between the ages of 16 and 24, and not heads of households.
The state Minimum Wage Advisory Commission has recommended boosting the New Jersey rate to $8.25, and urged the state to adopt annual cost of living increases.
Edwards and other activists said New Jersey does not have a minimum rate for people whose pay is based on anticipated tips, such as restaurant employees.
As for what Edwards leaves on the table after a night out: "I always try to leave at least a 20 percent tip, and if I don't, it's because I didn't do my math right," he said.
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