As no Democrat is on the ballot, those who vote in the Republican Primary will choose the next member of Congress from U.S. House of Representatives District 14.
That’s why The Daily News is taking the unusual, but not unprecedented, step of supporting challenger Chris Peden in this race. While The Daily News doesn’t often endorse in primary races, this election will be the one that decides the district’s representation in Congress for the next two years.
Peden, a certified public accountant who has done a solid job as a city councilman in Friendswood, is running against Dr. Ron Paul, one of the most principled political figures in Washington.
Our decision to endorse Peden shouldn’t come as a surprise. In 2006, we recommended Shane Sklar, a Democrat, in his unsuccessful bid to unseat Paul.
There is much to admire about Paul. Whether you agree with him or not, it took enormous courage to oppose the war in Iraq. His stands on civil liberties are equally courageous and timely.
His voting is scrupulously in line with smaller government. His views are consistent with those of the Libertarian Party. He was once that party’s presidential candidate.
We can say without reservation that he is courageous and principled.
We can’t say he is an effective representative of the district.
Paul makes it a point to cast no votes on government spending, even if those funds are going to be spent in his own district or in a neighboring district.
Neighboring congressmen return the favor.
Even when the GOP had a majority in Congress, it was clear that the district was being punished because of all those no votes. Since the Democrats won a majority, that punishment hasn’t stopped.
In the next two years, leaders in Galveston County will join those from other counties in District 14 in asking for a lot of federal funding. They’ll ask for help on projects such as research at the Galveston National Laboratory and on NASA’s mission to Mars.
Grassroots leaders should have an effective ally in their congressional representative. Peden is the better choice.
