Edwards calls on CPSC chair to resign

AMHERST, N.H., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards Wednesday urged acting U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission head Nancy Nord to resign.

The former North Carolina senator also outlined his proposal to protect children and families from unsafe imports in an appearance in Amherst, N.H. A number of recalls have been instituted for toys, food, medicine and other products in recent days.

"America is facing a crisis of quality in imported products, food and medicine," Edwards said on his Web site. "We can no longer rely on corporations to initiate recall after recall while our government sits on the sidelines and our nation's children and families remain at serious risk."

Among other things, Edwards called for strong CPSC leadership, a ban on lead paint in all children's products, a ban on industry-bought gifts and travel for public officials, and closing a loophole for lobbyists.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has also called for Nord's resignation.