She moved to Polk County in 1982 and spent her early career as a news and radio reporter. Her interest in all things political, particularly the development of public policy, led her to run for the state House in 1992. She served four terms before her election to the supervisor's post in 2000. She is known for having run an efficient, friendly office.

Edwards says she's running for higher office primarily to "bring to Washington the strong voice of regular middle-class people." She says she understands the struggles many of her constituents are undergoing.

Lori Edwards

District 12, Democrats

Both candidates in this primary have a knack for politics and a solid grip on the right priorities. Lori Edwards' experience better prepares her for the job, and she is more attuned than her opponent to the district.

Edwards, 53, represented east Polk County in the Florida House from 1992 to 2000. Her moderate views fit the conservative county, where she has served as elections supervisor since 2000. Edwards and her opponent, Doug Tudor, broadly agree on the basics. They both would seek to bring federal spending under control, work to curb illegal immigration and push to permanently ban oil drilling off Florida. But Edwards' agenda is much more rounded. She talks more convincingly about protecting Social Security, controlling health care costs and meeting the needs of growth in the area.

By John McArdle | August 2, 2010 3:16 PM

In a three-way race for an open House seat, the divided loyalties of conservatives are boosting prospects for Democrat Lori Edwards, according to internal Edwards polling released by her campaign.

It's exactly what Democrats hoped would happen when both a Republican and a Tea Party candidate run in a general election.

12th District

Incumbent Adam Putnam's decision to give up the seat to run for agriculture commissioner has encouraged would-be successors in both parties in this district, which includes parts of Polk, Osceola and Hillsborough counties.

Among Democrats, Polk County Elections Supervisor Lori Edwards expresses moderate positions on most issues. She recognizes the need to do more to contain health-care costs, and says Congress must control spending.

Her opponent, Navy veteran Doug Tudor of Riverview, is a self-styled progressive who says he would put off spending cuts — with the exception of cutting off funding for U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We endorse Lori Edwards.