We like Dave Loebsack. The former college professor from Mount Vernon has done a good job of representing his district in Washington during his freshman term.

And in a volatile year that has included severe flooding throughout the district, Loebsack should be praised for his continuous efforts in seeking and obtaining federal funding and assistance to help those in need.

We also like Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

A novice politico, the Ottumwa ophthalmologist has shown she has a firm grasp on the issues and is not fearful of expressing her opinions.

She is especially well versed in health care and energy issues and knows that political rhetoric will not solve either.

The choice, however, is not an easy one.

Loebsack is smart, likable and in only his first term, is learning quickly how Washington works. His efforts on behalf of Ottumwa and southern Iowa have netted millions of dollars for everything from grant money for the city’s combined sewer overflow improvements, support of the Job Corps facility in Ottumwa and money for law enforcement, health care and much more.

Miller-Meeks, meanwhile has specific ideas on a whole host of issues.

Health care delivery, she argues, “must be realigned to provide value” to consumers. She believes “consumer guided and purchased health insurance through a national risk pool with multiple insurance players would allow affordability and portability.”

Miller-Meeks also understands the issues surrounding energy independence and how that is tied to our national security. She said the United States can maintain its “sovereignty and economic viability when we do not depend on large imports of oil from other countries. Even if we import the majority of our oil from friendly countries such as Canada and Mexico, we can reduce our trade deficit by generating more of our energy needs locally.”

To his credit, Loebsack has continued to return to his district. He’s returned to Ottumwa more than 40 times this year alone to discuss issues with district patrons.

But there are concerns that Loebsack, like his predecessor, focuses too much of his attention on Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

The district is made up of 15 unique counties and the needs of people living in Ottumwa, Centerville, Fairfield, Bloomfield, Burlington and Keokuk are just as important as those folks living in Linn and Johnson counties.

This is a tough decision. Both candidates are qualified to serve and both will do a solid job of representing our views.

But this year, the edge goes to Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and we endorse her candidacy for Congress.