DENVER--Even though he spoke before the delegation with the first-in-the-nation primary, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Tex.) said his visit was not a hint to a future presidential campaign.

Edwards was often mentioned as a possible vice-presidential nominee during the recent vetting process and told the New Hampshire delegation that it was an "honor" to appear on the vice-presidential shortlist.

"Listen I really am a down home guy despite this vice-presidential thing that kicked into high gear and it was an honor to be on Barack Obama's shortlist," Edwards said. "I will make a statement for the record I'm here to enjoy the good company of fellow Democrats, I am not running for the presidency of the United States so you can put your minds at rest on that."

Edwards also paid homage to the New Hampshire primary.

"I now know why New Hampshire should be first in the country," Edwards said about his recent visit to New Hampshire. "This is going to inspire me to go back and try turn Texas blue. I understand why you put Republicans on the run in 2004 and 2006 and I saw that when I was up there with Carol," referring to U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-Rochester).