It is worth mentioning, before commenting too deeply about the race for Maine’s 2nd District congressional seat, that unseating the Democratic incumbent, Mike Michaud, would have taken some doing.

Not because Michaud is some political powerhouse, though. Rather, through three terms in Congress, he’s proven himself a political pragmatist, who works diligently on issues on which he can make a difference for his district.

It’s a refreshing approach. For this reason, we think Michaud remains the right person to represent Maine’s 2nd District. This Election Day, we urge voters to support his re-election.

His efforts on behalf of veterans are valuable during this era of conflict. While many of his colleagues focus tightly on the fiscal costs of the wars, Michaud rarely sways his attention from the critical human costs.

When talking to Michaud, we feel – to our satisfaction – you can take the man from Millinocket, but you cannot take Millinocket from the man. He’s earned our confidence that his decisions on Capitol Hill are made with his entire district’s sentiments in the forefront.

And he’s grown into the job. His biggest accomplishment came this year, with passage of the Northern Border Commission and its $30 million for economic development for Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.

But his signature work remains on veterans’ issues. We’re heartened by his efforts toward improving veterans health care, particularly in rural areas, and believe his pilot proposal in Maine for veterans’ care in hospitals holds promise.

In short, we think Michaud is making the most of his time in Washington D.C. He deserves more.

Now, his opponent. We have no particular quarrel with John Frary. He’s brutally honest, eternally opinionated and often humorous. In an otherwise dour year for Republicans, he’s brought life to the party.

But he’s quite unsuited for Congress.

For Frary to serve two ignorable years as an eccentric backbencher wouldn’t do him, or Maine, any good. This country faces serious times, which require the actions – and convictions – of a serious candidate.

In the beginning, Frary entered this race to prove a political point. He’s made it.

Now it’s time for him to go home.

And time for voters, on Nov. 4, to send Rep. Mike Michaud back to Washington.