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Re-elect Rep. Jo Bonner
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Although he is a congressman who works hard and votes in line with
the broad will of his constituents, U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner has come
in for occasional criticism from this editorial board. So let us
be clear: The Register enthusiastically endorses Mr. Bonner for
re-election.
The criticism has come for his votes in favor of too much federal
spending. But sometimes it is the case that those who are
criticized most are those from whom much is expected. And much is
expected from Jo Bonner because his intelligence, integrity,
experience and conservative values give rise to such high promise.
One thing for which nobody can fault Mr. Bonner is his diligence
and attention to constituent concerns. In his very first year in
office, he held an astonishing 60 town meetings -- including a
couple of constructively bipartisan ones with fellow freshman Rep.
Artur Davis of west-central Alabama -- and he has followed up with
many more this year.
Mr. Bonner also seemed ubiquitous, and quite effectively so, in
his energetic and compassionate response to Hurricane Ivan. Storm
victims took comfort in knowing their congressman was so active on
their behalf.
In Washington, meanwhile, Rep. Bonner already has good committee
assignments and some second-tier leadership spots within the
Republican caucus.
He has the potential to remain for a long time as a highly
effective representative for Alabama, and as a wise counsel on
national issues.
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