For Congress

All three of Nevada's incumbent congressional representatives have drawn challengers this year.

In the 2nd Congressional District -- encompassing most of Northern Nevada and a few rural areas in the south -- incumbent congressman and former Nevada Secretary of State Dean Heller explains he voted against the $700 billion bank bailout bill this month because this massive government intervention did nothing either to help individual constituents or to change the banking regulations that caused the problem -- and could still lead to a repeat performance.

Democratic challenger Jill Derby has her party sound bites memorized, acknowledging she favors socialized medicine with the justification that "We're all in this together." Ms. Derby wants to raise taxes -- but only on those with enough wealth to invest in creating new jobs, of course -- and would get rid of secret ballots in union representation elections.

Nevadans should continue to resist the siren song of top-down control and simple-minded socialism, proudly returning the knowledgeable and principled Dean Heller to Congress for the 2nd District.

In the 3rd Congressional District, incumbent Republican Jon Porter has strayed from conservative principles of late to vote for a pork-laden farm bill and to expand federal subsidies for a child health insurance program, among others. But his small business background and his commitment to develop domestic oil supplies still make him the stronger choice at a time when Nevada needs new jobs and the restored tourist traffic that falling jet and motor fuel prices can bring.

Democratic challenger Dina Titus -- an articulate and personable state legislator and college professor -- tilts considerably to the left. Sending her to Congress would only reinforce a Democratic leadership that's heading in the wrong direction for Nevada. Voters should retain Jon Porter in the 3rd District.

Incumbent Democrat Shelley Berkley, in a district considered "safe" based on registration numbers, faces underfunded Republican challenger Ken Wegner in the 1st Congressional District. While we disagree with Rep. Berkley on a number of issues, she is a tireless worker committed to her constituents and the state. Voters in the 1st District can safely retain the personable Shelley Berkley.