In three terms representing Maine’s 1st Congressional District, Tom Allen has established a solid reputation as one of Congress’ more knowledgeable and thoughtful members. Those qualities, combined with dogged perseverance and a strong streak of independence, make the Portland Democrat worthy of a fourth term.

Rep. Allen’s soft-spoken nature has given rise to a reputation as a “nice guy” almost too polite and circumspect for the rough-and-tumble of Washington. That is a false assessment – his record, in fact, is proof that nice guys can be courageous. He challenged

his party’s leadership on campaign finance reform at a crucial time when reform was being undermined. Most recently, he voted against the Iraq resolution negotiated between President Bush and House leadership and helped craft an alternative based upon a concerted effort to disarm Iraq through rigorous United Nations action before the use of military force.

But beyond standing up for his convictions on such high-profile issues, Rep. Allen has demonstrated the ability to stick with an issue and to bring about small changes when giant steps fail. For example, he has been a tireless advocate for making prescription drugs more affordable and accessible. Congress’ failure to act on comprehensive reform, however, has not prevented Rep. Allen from pursuing such specific remedies as improved pricing for Medicare beneficiaries, the expanded use of generics and demanding accountability in pharmaceutical advertising. He has shown similar attention to detail in other health care-related issues important to Maine, such as small-business insurance coverage and skilled nursing reimbursement.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Rep. Allen has been a strong advocate for Maine’s two bases, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery and the Brunswick Naval Air Station, and for Maine defense contractors in his district and beyond. At the same time, he has established himself as an informed critic of the national missile defense program, the decreasing level of congressional oversight, the shift in priorities away from conventional weapons and improved military pay and housing.

Rep. Allen has demonstrated similar attention to detail on education issues. He has sponsored legislation to recruit and reward math and science teachers, to increase the federal share of special education costs and to boost funding for school renovation and repair. Though supporting the No Child Left Behind Act, he was instrumental in adding

provisions that took into account the needs of small, rural states such as Maine. His record on the environment is strong – his willingness to take on the “grandfathered” power-plant loophole that allows the oldest and dirtiest plants, many in Midwestern states represented by powerful colleagues, to continue operating without modern pollution controls is another example of his political courage.

Rep. Allen’s opponent, Republican Steven Joyce, has not represented

his party well. The 1st District is no stranger to conservative politicians – southern Maine sends many to the Legislature, it has sent a few to Congress. Mr. Joyce’s political beliefs are not at all unusual; the unwarranted name-calling and uninformed character assassination have been alarming. If nothing else, his approach to this campaign has underscored by way of contrast the qualities that make the incumbent deserving of re-election.