Greensboro (NC) News-Record endorses Brad Miller (D,NC-13) vs. challenger Vernon Robinson

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http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWSREC0101/310290006/1037/GTCOM

Rep. Brad Miller, Democratic incumbent in the 13th Congressional District, doesn't come across as the most scintillating candidate.

In contrast, Republican challenger Vernon Robinson arguably is the political equivalent of a spectacular car wreck -- from his fiery rhetoric to ugly ads that blast Miller on issues including illegal immigration, the war against terrorism and gay rights. Try as you might, you can't look away.

If nothing else, this clash between opposites -- Miller, who lives in Raleigh, and Robinson, a former Winston-Salem city councilman -- has made for one of the liveliest congressional races of this election season.
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But he . . . (Miller). . . also has represented the district reasonably well, supporting policies and sponsoring legislation with direct impact on constituents' lives. More funding for community colleges, key to strengthening the Triad's economy; a grant program to help research universities move innovative ideas into the marketplace; and a federal anti-predatory lending bill modeled on North Carolina's law are among them. Based on his stand on the issues, experience and increasing ability to work across the aisle on citizens' behalf, Miller deserves re-election to a third term in Congress.

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If Robinson toned down his rhetoric and revealed the nuances in his views more often, he'd deserve more serious consideration. But that's not his style, and the substance Miller has shown in Congress should send him back to Washington for another term.