In Minnesota's bitterly fought 2nd Congressional District race, we support the re-election of Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Luther.
Perhaps best-known about Luther in this election season is that his campaign helped engineer the shameful entrance of a political ally into the 2nd District race under the banner of the "No New Taxes Party." It was a witless attempt to siphon away conservative votes in what promises to be a razor-close election, and reflects badly on a talented public official. Luther claims he did not know about the stunt but takes responsibility for it.
First elected to the Minnesota Legislature in 1974, Luther served in both the House and the Senate, rising to the position of assistant Senate majority leader. He was elected to Congress in the current 6th District in 1994.
Luther secured a seat on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, where he was able to help craft bipartisan legislation that nudged the Medicare-reimbursement formula toward fairer treatment of his state and others that spend health-care dollars efficiently.
Carrying a New Democrat banner, Luther established a record of fiscal conservatism that should be welcomed by many voters of the new, Republican-leaning 2nd District. The bipartisan, deficit-fighting Concord Coalition has praised Luther's voting record.
Luther has the right idea on environmental sustainability and alternative energy sources, in contrast to Kline, who would pursue cleaner energy far less vigorously in Congress than Luther will.
On Social Security, Luther supports tax incentives to encourage personal saving and opposes voluntary "privatization" of a portion of worker contributions. Kline supports partial privatization, a fundamental change in the system for which the country may not be ready -- but the issue has been too politicized, and Luther shares blame for that.
Luther voted for a congressional resolution giving President Bush war-making powers in Iraq. To his credit, Luther's has been one of the moderating voices prodding the administration toward recognition of the United States' multilateral role in world security.
Republican Kline, a retired Marine Corps colonel, served his country for 25 years and has worked as an analyst and commentator for Center of the American Experiment, a respected conservative think tank.
His main calling card as a candidate appears to be his military background and its utility now that the nation is at war against terror. Kline says that, should Republicans retain control of the House, he would be nearly assured a seat on the Armed Services Committee.
His military expertise isn't a convincing reason to unseat an incumbent whose effectiveness has grown during his eight years in Washington.
Though Luther points out it was his campaign, not he, whot pulled the "No New Taxes" stunt, he rightly claims responsibility. Now he must promise voters they will never again be treated with such disrespect. -- An editorial opinion of the ECM Editorial Board
