Editorial: For Congress from the 7th District

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Michigan's 7th Congressional District stretches across the state's southernmost counties and up through its lower middle to the Lansing suburbs. It comprises a vastly diverse constituency ranging from farmers to government bureaucrats.

It has been ably represented by Tim Walberg, a Republican seeking his seventh term in Congress. He should be returned.

The congressman is being challenged again this cycle by Gretchen Driskell, a former state representative and one-time mayor of Saline who lost to Walberg in 2016 by 15 percentage points.

Driskell certainly knows the district and understands its needs. But she would bring nothing to the position that Walberg isn't already delivering. 

But losing the veteran congressman would cost Michigan influence and clout in the House. 

Walberg serves on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the Education Committee. 

He has been ranked the most effective member of Michigan's House delegation by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, which considers the amount and quality of legislation passed and the bipartisan cooperation involved in moving it through.

Walberg has worked with Dearborn Democrat Debbie Dingell on legislation to combat the effects of opioid abuse.

He's also pushed for broadband access in rural communities and to protect education choice for families.

Walberg continues his call for across-the-board spending cuts to combat the runaway federal deficit.

Tim Walberg is an engaged and effective congressman who has earned another two-year term. 

Endorsements are determined independently by The Detroit News Editorial Board and have no influence on news coverage.