Briefly in the news

-- Paul Clinton

North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, a potential Democratic candidate for

the 2004 race for the White House, will visit Costa Mesa today.

Edwards is scheduled to hold a fund-raiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

today at Antonello’s Restaurant.

The event is being sponsored by the Democratic Foundation of Orange

County, a political action committee.

Edwards, elected to his seat in 1998, was Al Gore’s first runner-up

after Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) for running mate during the 2000

presidential race.

As a trial lawyer, Edwards won more than $152 million for his clients,

said Debbie Coven, the foundation’s executive director.

Antonello’s is at 1611 Sunflower Ave. Information: (714) 979-4436.