A fast start for Harry

Harry Mitchell squeaked through the door into Congress in 2006. The race was so tight that longtime incumbent Republican J.D. Hayworth didn't concede until a week after the election.

Many wondered if the amiable Democrat, a former mayor of Tempe and state senator, could work effectively in the hectic, high-pressure world of Washington. Two years later, the answer is a resounding "yes."

Far from getting lost in the crowd, Mitchell quickly learned his way around Congress. Mitchell, a retired high-school teacher, was known in Arizona for his consensus-building skills and his dedication to local concerns. He is putting those traits to work in the nation's capital. Mitchell has gotten critical resources for his district, which runs along the eastern side of the Valley. The lengthy list includes funding for nurses, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, public-safety communications, an East Valley crime-data system, a Scottsdale park-and-ride and a commuter rail study from Phoenix to Tucson.

A lot of the funding has come through the prickly process of "earmarks." The system has had plenty of abuse. And Mitchell has done his part to reform it, voting for more transparency and accountability. He posts a list of his own annual funding requests on his Web site. At the same time, Mitchell is fiscally prudent and a watchdog of public funds. He was one of 15 Democrats, for example, to vote against the bloated farm bill.

Mitchell also supports two issues vital to all of Arizona: solar energy and comprehensive immigration reform. With Democrats poised to expand their majority, he will be well-positioned to promote both.

Republicans have fielded a strong, thoughtful contender this year: David Schweikert, a former Maricopa County treasurer and lawmaker. His thorough knowledge of financial issues is a particular asset right now. Schweikert's call to reconsider the U.S. tax structure is an intriguing proposal (which has unfortunately triggered some over-the-top campaign ads from the Mitchell camp). However, he doesn't have the solid pragmatism that makes Mitchell so effective.

Libertarian Warren Severin is another thoughtful candidate, who brings a healthy extra dimension to the campaign.

But there is no reason to replace a member of Congress who is up to speed and on course. Voters should send Mitchell back to Congress on Nov. 4.