http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/politicians/edwards/eyeonedwards/series/story/1432345p-7555875c.html
FUQUAY-VARINA -- The younger brother of Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards is wanted in Colorado for failing to appear on a drunken-driving charge more than 10 years ago.
Wesley Blake Edwards, 39, was supposed to report to an Arapahoe County courtroom in January 1994, according to Colorado state records. When he didn't, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Edwards, a union electrician who lives in Fuquay-Varina with his wife, Debbie, has a history of alcohol-related driving problems dating to the mid-1980s.
After misdemeanor drunken-driving convictions in 1985, 1987 and 1990, his driver license was permanently revoked in 1990, according to state Division of Motor Vehicle records. He spent a week in jail on one of the convictions, records show.
Nevertheless, he has been cited for driving without a license at least twice since, most recently in Fuquay-Varina in August. He pleaded guilty and paid a $100 fine to resolve that charge.
In May, Edwards asked for a preliminary hearing with the DMV to get his license reinstated but was turned down, in part because of the outstanding warrant, said Wayne Hurder, director of driver license administration.
According to Colorado court records, Edwards was charged with driving under the influence, careless driving and operating a vehicle without insurance.
Standing on his lawn in the Cottenwood subdivision Wednesday afternoon, Blake Edwards referred all questions to the Kerry-Edwards campaign headquarters. He did say that most of his neighbors didn't know he had a famous brother.
"I'm trying to keep it quiet," he said. "I don't think that's going to happen."
A Kerry-Edwards campaign spokeswoman said the senator "loves his brother very much."
"He was, of course, troubled by this news," said spokeswoman Kim Rubey. "Sen. Edwards knows his brother shouldn't have done what he did, but his brother knows that and is dealing with it."
Staff writer Ryan Teague Beckwith can be reached at 836-4944 or rbeckwit@newsobserver.com.
