Heather Bauer and Rhodes Bailey are solid. So who’s our pick in SC House District 75?

Democratic voters in SC House District 75 have a tough choice to make in the June 9 primary.

But either way they will be choosing well.

Regardless of whether they choose Heather Bauer or Rhodes Bailey in the Democratic primary, District 75 voters will be picking a worthy challenger to face longtime Rep. Kirkman Finlay III in November.

Bauer is a small business entrepreneur — she co-owns a Columbia fitness facility — who also has an extensive background as an information technology project manager.

Bailey is a Columbia lawyer who proudly notes that many of the cases he takes on involve working-class and poor local residents who might otherwise lack legal representation.

And on numerous issues Bauer and Bailey strike similar notes.

Both say it’s critical for South Carolina to make up lost ground and put widespread COVID-19 testing and tracing in place as the state continues to gradually reopen from the pandemic.

Both say that if elected, they will push for infrastructure improvements in District 75, one of the Midlands’ most economically and demographically diverse areas.

Both say they are opposed to any fire sale of Santee Cooper, the state’s debt-plagued public utility.

Both say they will be champions for greater transparency in the state Legislature, which could use always more.

Both say they offer a clear contrast to Finlay, a four-term Republican incumbent who certainly won’t be easy to defeat (since winning a close election in 2012, Finlay has been re-elected by comfortable margins).

Both are highly active in local community work.

Both have interesting personal stories: Bauer grew up in a single-parent household that often struggled financially; Bailey is an accomplished guitarist who often performs with local bands.

In short Bauer and Bailey are both impressive, thoughtful and passionate.

But while it’s a close call, Bauer deserves the nod in the June 9 primary.

Bauer’s background as a small business owner would allow her to bring a valuable perspective to the Legislature — particularly in the year ahead, which will see lawmakers devote considerable energy to shoring up South Carolina’s economy after the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic.

And Bauer’s clear zest for rolling up her sleeves and diving into problems will be a huge asset that will make her a credible and forceful voice for District 75 in the State House. “I like plans. I like budgets. I like deadlines,” Bauer said during The State Editorial Board’s recent joint interview with both candidates.

That type of intense, detail-oriented focus will be badly needed in the Legislature during the year ahead, and Bauer has the potential to make a real difference in the State House.

On June 9 voters should choose Heather Bauer in the District 75 Democratic Party primary.

This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 9:00 AM.