Editorial: Shelley Berkley has served us well, and should be trusted to continue

Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006 | 7:28 a.m.

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., has been a stellar advocate for those who live in the 1st Congressional District. She also has built an impressive record of constituent service, something that may not get a lot of attention but is critical nonetheless.

On foreign policy, she has been something of a hawk. She believes the nation shouldn't immediately leave Iraq, as some Democrats do, but she does say there is a need for a new direction. On domestic issues, she has been tireless in trying to secure more benefits for veterans and improving homeland security.

We have been particularly impressed by her efforts to make our nation energy independent, including devoting more investment in renewable energy. Nevada, with its abundance of solar, wind and geothermal power, should be a world leader in this area. But as long as the Bush administration and the GOP-run Congress keep giving billions in tax breaks and subsidies to oil and nuclear power companies, nothing serious will change. She correctly notes that continued reliance on foreign oil not only poses a danger to our economy but also imperils our national security.

Berkley isn't one to be pushed around. She has stood up to the Republican leadership in Congress and, unlike many Republican members of the House, isn't afraid to disagree with her own party leaders. Nevadans are fortunate that Berkley has been in the House since her election in 1998.

The Sun endorses Shelley Berkley.