David Price is running for another term in the U.S. House against Todd Batchelor, a Republican businessman and would-be newcomer to higher office.
Price's record of being committed to his constituents in the 4th District and his hard work to represent their interests translate into his being deserving of re-election.
He has many students for constituents, and he has supported them by fighting for income tax deductions for student loans and for a bill that gives scholarships to aspiring teachers.
These pieces of legislation serve the interests of both UNC students and the state by easing the burden of attending college and encouraging public service in the form of teaching.
Price's commitment to education issues is impressive enough.
But his spirited defense of free trade in the face of a growing isolationism and intense political pressure is also worth mentioning. Price has displayed a kind of leadership all too rare in politics.
Although Batchelor has run an energetic grassroots campaign in which he has gained the support of some prominent state lawmakers, he has yet to make a compelling case for voters to choose him as Price's replacement.
To his credit, Batchelor has made some valuable comments regarding the stunted progress of the light rail system that has been devised to connect local counties, which he opposes.
Officials would be wise to take this kind of criticism into account.
