Despite the extensive government experience of both candidates in the race for the open seat in the 2nd Congressional District, voters will be making a leap of faith Nov. 5. But the surer step is toward Republican Kevin Raye, the seasoned former chief of staff for Sen. Olympia Snowe and an articulate, thoughtful candidate in his own right.

Through a series of crucial debates, Mr. Raye showed himself able to answer the range of questions on health care and terrorism, education and the environment and a dozen other topics with calm, well-reasoned replies that indicate both that he has given careful consideration to these issues and that he is a moderate in the tradition of successful Maine Republicans before him. His pro-choice position on abortion puts him in the mainstream of district voters. The 2nd District has ample evidence that Mr. Raye, though unproven, would represent the state well.

This is not an easy choice because his opponent, Democrat Mike Michaud, has strengths of his own. The state Senate president knows how to build coalitions, knows how to pass legislation and knows what is important to Maine. His experience at the state level gives him needed perspective on the effects of federal proposals. Mr. Michaud is respected as a principled leader.

On large issues such as transportation and education the candidates essentially agree. They differ in some areas, and it is fair to say that Mr. Michaud has a more developed sense of where the debate over prescription drugs must go. But on topics such as economic development, Mr. Raye has developed an ambitious and specific agenda, stressing research and development, telecommunications, training and support for small businesses. These describe an important set of

priorities for a district that is in desperate need of rejuvenation. The loss of population and manufacturing, the emptying of small towns and the struggles of the service centers will become even more dominant themes in the next few years – the candidate’s emphasis on them now is encouraging.

Mr. Raye would hold an unusually influential position in the House should his party retain control, as is expected. GOP leaders, knowing Maine’s moderation and the electoral vulnerability of first-term officeholders, would ensure that the new congressman was given latitude to pursue his own agenda. That includes serving on the Transportation Committee, an especially important role next year as the overall transportation budget comes up for reauthorization – states either get their major requests for changes in next year or they must wait another five years.

In part because of the closeness of this race and the national money put into it, its tone has been especially negative. If Mr. Raye hopes to follow the path of Republicans such as Bill Cohen, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, he must set a higher standard of behavior for his supporters. The snide and petty jabs in the ad campaigns against state Sen. Michaud were a depressing example of what Maine does not want to become. We trust these were errors from an overzealous political staff and not one that would be allowed to occur again.

Mr. Raye’s experience, his extensive work in Washington and his knowledge of and affection for Maine make him a solid choice for the 2nd District. He understands this region as few people do, and his service to it in Congress could be of tremendous benefit in a crucial time.