Would that every congressional race in every election draw the caliber of candidates who are vying in the U.S. House District 18 race. Republican incumbent Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has a strong track record in Washington, D.C., and is exceptionally attentive to the needs of her constituents. Democratic challenger Annette Taddeo is a successful businesswoman and civic activist who has been profiled in Hispanic Magazine and South Florida CEO.

This is a good slate for District 18 voters. Ms. Taddeo, 41, is level-headed, has a presence that radiates leadership and is well-versed on the issues.

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, 56, has developed a strong expertise in foreign affairs, particularly on Israel and the Mideast. She is the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a key post that, if reelected, she hopes to retain, in fact, improve by being named chair.

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen has been a reliable supporter of President Bush's policies, many of which we disagree with. Her views and votes, however, align with the sentiments of the district.

On the recent $700 billion economic-bailout package, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen initially voted against the deal, citing concerns by district residents. She later voted for the plan, explaining that new safeguards made it more palatable.

 

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen will rightly be celebrating Wednesday the completion of the Miami River dredging project, the funding of which she consistently has championed. When the Keys became a part of her district, she became a regular fixture at public forums focused on issues important to the island chain, including bridge improvements, funding for marine sanctuaries and finding dollars for water-quality projects. For U.S House District 18 The Miami Herald recommends ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN.

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