Our Say: Our endorsements in 2nd, 3rd, 5th House districts

Anne Arundel County is divided among four congressional districts. Yesterday we endorsed Democrat Frank Kratovil, the state's attorney for Queen Anne's County, in the 1st District.

Our endorsements for the other districts are:

3rd DISTRICT: John Sarbanes

Two years ago, when he tried for the open seat created when Ben Cardin ran for the U.S. Senate, it didn't hurt Mr. Sarbanes that he is the son of veteran Sen. Paul Sarbanes. But after being elected, the younger Mr. Sarbanes had no problem distinguishing himself in his first term.

A lawyer, Mr. Sarbanes was a quick study on national issues and is able to communicate the difficulties this country faces. He was the principal author of the Education for Public Service Act that allows a college graduate to work off his or her student loan through public service.

He was also successful in establishing a program that gets children more involved in the environment, the Chesapeake Bay Gateway program and a program that cuts through the bureaucracy for disabled veterans.

Mr. Sarbanes has been actively involved in the base realignment at Fort Meade and strengthening fly ash disposal laws - two issues important to west county.

He is opposed by Republican Tom Harris.

Annapolis, Crofton and other parts of central Anne Arundel County are in this district.

5th DISTRICT: Steny Hoyer

Steny Hoyer has come a long way since his days as president of the state Senate in the 1970s. After more than 13 terms in Congress he has risen to the second-highest post in the House. As majority leader, he spends a lot of time on the road raising money for the Democratic Party, speaking on issues and lobbying for support.

But his time on the road has not hampered his representation of his Southern Maryland district, which includes southern Anne Arundel County. He was effective in engineering base realignment at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in St. Mary's County. As the majority leader, he is in a position to help Maryland and protect its interests.

Even though his scope is much broader today that it used to be, we always appreciate the indefatigable Mr. Hoyer's interest in the average citizen and his deep familiarity with those who live in his district. He has served the 5th District and the nation with honor.

He is opposed by Republican Collins Bailey and Libertarian Darlene Nicholas.

2nd DISTRICT: Dutch Ruppersberger

This district combines a small part of northern Anne Arundel County with parts of Baltimore city and Harford County. It has been well represented by the third-term congressman, a veteran politician who was previously Baltimore County executive.

Over the years, Mr. Ruppersberger has shown an ability to listen to all sides of an argument and get beyond partisanship. His position on the Appropriations Committee puts him in the middle of important federal budget issues.

He is opposed by Republican Richard Pryce Matthews and Libertarian Lorenzo Gaztanaga.