Griffith, Guthrie in 5th District

Electing a new congressman for the 5th Congressional District is a task most voters had rather not have. They know retiring Rep. But Cramer and like the way he represents them in Washington.

Now it is time to make a new relationship, hopefully with a candidate who can step in and command respect, even without seniority, in Congress.

Six Republicans are in the June 3 primary. One of them will probably face state Sen. Parker Griffith of Huntsville.

Of the Republicans, Cheryl Baswell Guthrie may be that candidate. We disagree with many of her proposals. She opposes all stem cell research. Her proposal to send all federal inmates who are illegal immigrants back to their home countries makes fiscal sense, but could have unwanted results.

Nonetheless, Ms. Guthrie is intelligent and has worked her way to considerable business success in Huntsville.

Many of her opponents, however, have national political views even more extreme than hers, but she has the drive and experience to continue Mr. Cramer’s record of economic development.

Two of the candidates, Ray McKee and Mark Huff, are so fixated on their support of the Fair Tax that we fear their inability to support issues more relevant to North Alabama. The Fair Tax has merit, but its chance of passing anytime soon is nil.

George C. “Brazo” Barry of Huntsville has a good grasp of constitutional limitations on Congress. His antagonism toward the North American Free Trade Agreement seems to be too late to be helpful in his duties.

Wayne Parker, an insurance man in Huntsville, has a pleasant demeanor. He shows a minimal grasp of national issues, though, and we fear he would lack the political skills needed to promote legislation and economic development helpful to the district.

Angelo Mancuso, a Decatur dermatological surgeon, has experience in the State House to his credit, and he is more attuned to the issues pertinent to Decatur — where he works — and Courtland, where he lives, than other candidates. He carries emotional baggage that voters must consider.

On the Democratic ticket, Dr. Parker Griffith is a freshman in the state Senate, but he’s shown an ability to deal effectively with the veteran politicians who like to devour newcomers.

His opponent, optical physicist David Maker, is a good well-meaning man who finds it difficult to communicate one-on-one.

The Daily recommends Cheryl Braswell Guthrie for the Republican nomination and state Sen. Parker Griffith for the Democratic nomination for representative from the 5th Congressional District.