Little Rock - Clark Campaign Communications Director Matt Bennett released the following in response to the Edwards Campaign's statement today:

"Apparently it wasn't enough for John Edwards to distort the outcome of the Oklahoma primary. Senator Edwards is of the view that his loss by 1,219 votes is 'a tie.' Is this the kind of rigorous mathematical standard that John Edwards sought for our children when he voted for the No Child Left Behind Act?

"Now, the Edwards staff is engaging in precisely the kind of 'political, petty sniping' they profess to abhor. But let's get a few facts straight:

• During 2003-2004, Senator Edwards missed almost 40% of Senate votes.
• During the last Congress, Senator Edwards Voted to Support President Bush 71.5% of the time - 76% of the time in 2002 alone.
• Senator Edwards has said that No Child Left Behind "builds upon the practice and promise of North Carolina's example and provides increased federal resources to maintain the state's commitment to high achievement for all students."
• Senator Edwards voted against making No Child Left Behind testing requirements contingent on adequate funding.
• Senator Edwards voted against allowing states flexibility in designing student assessments under No Child Left Behind.

"Senators can vote for bills and complain about them later, but Presidents must be accountable - that's what leadership is. Wes Clark understands that; apparently John Edwards does not."