Bob Inglis in primary

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In most political races, it would be a sign of trouble if a former officeholder found himself talking about his "political maturation" in his effort to recapture a seat he once held. Bob Inglis isn't in trouble, even though he does occasionally find himself trying to persuade some voters that he has grown up, politically speaking, since he left Congress in 1998.

This newspaper endorses Bob Inglis in the June 8 Republican primary in which he is seeking to recapture his old congressional seat. Inglis could have been re-elected indefinitely had he not honored his self-imposed limit of three terms. He lost in his 1998 bid to unseat incumbent Sen. Ernest F. Hollings.

Also running in the 4th District Republican primary are Carole Wells of Spartanburg County, who was elected to the S.C. Employment Security Commission in 1996 after serving 10 years in the state House of Representatives, and political newcomer Jack Adams of Greenville, who retired after running his own heating and air-conditioning company. Based on her proven record of public service, Wells is a credible challenger in this race.

But Inglis is an especially formidable candidate. His overpowering name recognition, fund-raising prowess and strong bond with conservative voters discouraged many viable opponents. Inglis, though, recognizes that his enthusiastic embrace of term limits wasn't his shortcoming 12 years ago.

He also knows that his principled stand against working for what some people consider "pork" has dampened support for him in parts of this district. So he speaks freely of his "maturation" as a congressman who now would be willing to work for money for his district that is " consonant with the national interest." That's clearly not the same as saying he will roll up his sleeves and fight for federal funds for the 4th District, but he has said that "if money is authorized and appropriated, I should help my district get the money."

On other matters, Inglis has promised to push for measures that will make American industries more competitive — such as legal reform, streamlined regulations and a more efficient tax structure. Inglis voted against some major trade agreements in the 1990s, and he will be challenged to balance his protectionist instincts with the more global interests of many people and industries in this district. Inglis also backs a return to balanced budgets and the creation of personally owned Social Security accounts.

Inglis deserves the support of Republicans in this primary race.