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Our choice for Congress

Opponents of U.S. Rep. Tom Reed are consistent in their criticisms of the incumbent. They say he too often sides with President Donald Trump or he has not done enough for those he represents in our district.

Reed, however, is not much different than our former U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, who continues to represent Erie County in Congress. Higgins, a Democrat, consistently sided with then President Barack Obama but did not hold town hall meetings with constituents, especially when it came to the health-care debate.

Those town hall meetings are one thing supporters and critics of Reed can count on. That matters in this day and age of governing.

Let us also not forget how large the New York’s 23rd Congressional District is. Starting in Chautauqua County, it heads east along Route 86, includes a large portion of the Finger Lakes, and ends in Tioga County near Binghamton. That is a lot of ground to cover — and Reed has done it quite well in holding those gatherings.

We also point to the Problem Solvers Caucus, which Reed is a part of with 24 Democrats. This group of representatives works to find common ground — something that is not always easy in the nation’s capital nowadays.

Challenging Reed is Tracy Mitrano, a Western New York native who has a strong background in cybersecurity. Within the last eight weeks, she has run a tremendous campaign that speaks to the anti-Reed sentiment that is evident in parts of this area and other portions of the district.

In a debate with Reed hosted by The Post-Journal in Jamestown last week, Mitrano was excellent. She clearly stated her positions of backing health care, education, jobs and better access to the Internet for those in rural areas.

Since August, Mitrano has run a smart campaign. Her staff has done regular weekly conference calls with the media to promote a dialogue with voters that helps spotlight her views. She also has been tireless in her travels, making stops here at least twice over a five-day span last week.

Mitrano is a strong candidate who seems to be gaining ground in the campaign as we near election day. But we back Reed, who is promoting bipartisan efforts in Washington and continues to deliver — and show up — for our region.

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