Lotz and Wilson in 2nd District

IN SOUTH CAROLINA’S 2nd Congressional District, most of the energy is in the Democratic primary.

Rob Miller left college to enlist in the Marine Corps. He would rise to the rank of captain, and serve in combat in Iraq. He decided during his second tour that his country had gotten “off track.” He left the Corps earlier this year to run for Congress. He says he believes the United States should walk softly and carry a big stick, but has been too hasty to use that stick recently.

Blaine Lotz served 26 years in the Air Force, winning the Bronze Star in Vietnam and commanding the Air Force Intelligence Agency. In retirement, he was appointed assistant secretary for intelligence oversight by then-Secretary of Defense William Cohen. He continued in that role under Donald Rumsfeld, which the Miller campaign has sought to capitalize on. But Mr. Lotz emphasizes that he had no role in the decision to invade Iraq, a move he says was ill-conceived.

Voters in the Democratic primary should choose Mr. Lotz, whose greater experience gives him a deeper understanding of both foreign and domestic issues.

On the Republican side, federal retiree Phil Black of Lexington County is a long shot, but offers refreshing perspectives on such issues as health care (he wants a single-payer national health plan). He strikes a chord when he condemns “petty partisan bickering.”

But Rep. Wilson’s positions on issues, from his support for the U.S. mission in Iraq to his opposition to the federal bailout of Bear Stearns, come closer to those of most of his party and constituents. He is dedicated to the service of his district, and deserves renomination.