Latest News

Record speaks for Alexander

10/20/2012

10:41 PM, Oct 20, 2012 | The News Star

There's an old saying that everybody hates Congress, but loves their congressman.

That's certainly been true in the 5th Congressional District, where five-term U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, has earned four straight landslide victories after winning his first race in 2002 by less than 1,000 votes.

And there's a reason for that.

While Alexander certainly reflects his conservative district's views on national issues such as health care, Second Amendment rights and abortion, it's his practical, tangible work at home that elevates his performance for constituents.

He was among the leaders who beat back an effort by the Federal Emergency Administration to redraw flood maps as if the Tensas Basin Levee system didn't exist, which would have forced property owners to buy expensive flood insurance.

Alexander was the point person who convinced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Lake Providence Port during the critical harvest season this fall.

The congressman has always connected to his constituents, traveling home almost every weekend to attend events.

Alexander, unlike others, also connects with his colleagues in a bipartisan manner mostly lost in Washington today. Among his allies is U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., with whom he often partners on issues and projects important to the 5th District.

And remember, seniority matters in Washington. Alexander has a realistic chance of landing a subcommittee chairmanship on the powerful Appropriations Committee in the next Congress, which would position him well to help the 5th District.

While The News-Star Editorial Board hasn't had the opportunity to meet Alexander's two challengers, we do know the incumbent's record of service, and for that reason we continue to offer our support of Alexander for Congress.

He's a solid, dependable voice for northeastern Louisiana whose growing influence in Congress will make him even more effective for the 5th District.

The editorials in this column represent the opinions of The News-Star's editorial board, composed of President and Publisher David B. Petty, Executive Editor Kathy Spurlock and community representatives Lyle Miller, Tom Nicholson and Kelly Shambro.