Republicans in Maine’s 2nd District no doubt want to send to Congress someone who fully understands the urgent problems facing the region and who has a long record of working hard to develop intelligent, specific and doable solutions. They also want to nominate on June 11 someone who can win in November.

Timothy Woodcock fulfills both criteria. The former Bangor mayor, federal prosecutor and aide to Sen. William Cohen has a grasp of the district’s current economic distress – and a vision of a better future – that not only exceeds the other three candidates in this race but that is unmatched in the state and admired throughout Northern New England and Atlantic Canada.

This entire corner of North America shares a history of economic decline and population loss. One cause is readily apparent – the lack of modern transportation links makes economic development impossible. Many have observed this situation; Mr. Woodcock has established himself as a leader in turning it around.

The key is the North American Free Trade Agreement and its requirement that the federal governments of the three signatories – Canada, the United States and Mexico – develop modern trade routes – road, rail, sea and air – as the foundation of a continental trading partnership. This is being done in every part of the United States but in its Northeast corner.

Mr. Woodcock has taken this on. He has become an expert on NAFTA, worked tirelessly and very effectively with congressional delegations, state legislatures and their Canadian counterparts across this International Northeast and has generated broad support for the development of the trade routes (including an east-west highway and the northern extension of I-95) that will unleash the region’s untapped economic potential. This record of proven leadership and accomplishment would be a credit to any member of Congress or state official. Mr. Woodcock has assembled this record as a city councilor and, largely, as a private citizen.

Another urgent problem – one that is both caused by economic decline and prevents its reversal – is the explosion in Maine of illegal drug trafficking and the epidemic of addiction, property crime and violence that results. Again, Mr. Woodcock stands alone in demonstrating an understanding of this issue and has a specific proposal to address it – the development of a federal interdiction and investigation program tailored precisely for rural areas, with Maine used as a pilot project.

Each of the other three Republican contenders is a credible candidate and would make an acceptable member of Congress. Kevin Raye, longtime aide to Sen. Olympia Snowe, knows the district, knows Washington and is well-regarded both places. State Rep. Stavros Mendros and former Rep. Richard Campbell have strong conservative credentials and solid reputations as hard workers. None, however, have demonstrated the specific proposals, the leadership or the energy of Mr. Woodcock.

The point of nominating a candidate at a primary is, of course, to win the general election. Mr. Woodcock is best positioned to reach beyond party lines; he is the Republican candidate the Democratic Party does not want to see on the November ballot. If 2nd District Republicans want to reclaim a seat they’ve been shut out of for eight years, they will put him there.