Once Again, Bass’s Place is in Congress

The voters of the 2nd Congressional District have the chance to send a representative to Capitol Hill who will reflect the down-to-earth character of the people of this state.

Republican Charlie Bass is the candidate in next Tuesday’s election who will be able to fight on behalf of the people of this state who are concerned about the state of the economy, the level of government spending and the ever-mounting debt which clearly jeopardize this nation’s future.

Charlie Bass will be an effective representative because he is knowledgeable without being a know-it-all, principled without being ideological, and open-minded without being porous. Quite simply, he is in step with the rank-and-file New Hampshire voter.

Bass’s moderate position on social issues, his concern for civility in the political process and his insistence on fiscal sensibility are what this state needs and, quite frankly, what this nation needs in its national leaders.

In an election that is rife with anti-incumbent, throw-the-bums-out zealotry, it might seem illogical to urge sending back to Washington a former congressman who just four years ago was sent packing by the voters.

True, a lot needs to change in Washington and on Capitol Hill in order for our political leadership to regain the confidence of the American people. But in our zeal for change, let’s not forget the importance of competence and experience.

Charlie Bass understands what it is to represent voters and he understands the political process. And it is especially important that he understands the daunting issues that the country needs to address. That experience has given him insight on ways to deal with serious issues in a way that are in the country’s best long-term interest.

On the war in Afghanistan, he supports the current military mission but he knows that the commitment of U.S. troops has to wind down sooner rather than later and that America’s security interests will be best-served in the long run by building up U.S. intelligence capabilities in the region to thwart terrorist groups which wish us and so many other nations ill.

Bass knows that Social Security needs a comprehensive re-examination, but he understands that the sensitivity and complexity of the issue require a sober and thorough study in which the people in the country can have faith.

Back in Washington, Charlie Bass’s greatest challenge will be his ability to be heard as a voice of reason and to persuade others that public service requires reaching a consensus. Sadly there are those already in Congress and others who hope to get in who see consensus and cooperation as vices; who would rather see two more years of gridlock and partisan rancor than to yield on any point to their political opponents whom they see as the enemy.

This is a virus which has infected both parties. In a meeting with The Citizen’s Editorial Board, Bass said the Democrats in Congress have hurt this country because of their party’s leadership in the House and Senate. He’s right. But the truth is, the Republican leadership on Capitol Hill before 2006 was a disservice, too.

Charlie Bass is willing to take on this challenge and to be a voice of reason. It is just the kind of sensible representation that the 2nd District and the Granite State needs in Washington.

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