The Republican Party has recruited a politically astute candidate, Georgetown lawyer Charles Smith, to oppose longtime S.C. Rep. Vida Miller's bid for a fifth term in the S.C. House. Although Smith could perform capably, in time, as Georgetown County's resident representative, voters in District 108 would be wise to return Miller, D-Pawleys Island, to the House. Her seniority, her legislative experience, and her relentless involvement in organizing local groups to press for legislation to benefit the county are too valuable to be tossed aside.

Smith says he could be an effective performer because he would caucus in the House with representatives of the majority party. He says he would work with other Republicans to press Gov. Mark Sanford's agenda to make state government more efficient and accountable to the voters. Like Miller, he is a strong believer in environmental protection. Like Miller, he supports construction of a cross-Waccamaw River connector between southern Horry County and U.S. 701 near Georgetown. He thinks, as does Miller, that once funding for the project is in place, he can work with the state Department of Transportation to plan a project acceptable to county conservationists.

In rebuttal, Miller says most House votes are not partisan, but regional, in nature. She says she has worked with regional Republicans and Democrats alike on issues that benefit Georgetown County and her constituents in northern Charleston County: economic development, education and especially transportation.

Miller says she has served as a vital link between her constituents and state agencies, making certain that local leaders know who to call in Columbia-based state agencies.

Miller also excels at constituent service, a legislator's most important duty. More than most legislators, she focuses on the needs of all her constituents - from the Waccamaw Neck to the impoverished communities that dot rural Georgetown County. She tries to help all who ask regardless of party affiliation.

For that reason especially, Miller earns The Sun News' recommendation for re-election.