Republicans Jim Ryun and Adam Taff would be good choices in the election for U.S. Congress.

These are uncertain times for the federal government. When America is facing crucial questions about the nation’s security and financial future, it’s important for the president to have strong support in Congress.

Giving President Bush that support by maintaining a Republican majority in the U.S. House is among the reasons the Journal-World supports the candidacies of Republicans Jim Ryun in the 2nd District and Adam Taff in the 3rd District U.S. House races.

Ryun, the incumbent in the 2nd District, is being challenged by Democrat Dan Lykins, a Topeka attorney. Lykins has been active in the state Democratic Party, and ran unsuccessfully for the Kansas Senate and for Kansas attorney general. Ryun has served in the U.S. House since 1997 and has grown in maturity and gained respect since that time.

Known at the outset primarily for the track skills he displayed at Kansas University and in the Olympics, Ryun now is a far more qualified lawmaker than he was when he was first elected. He is knowledgeable about national issues, he cares about Kansas, he is a decent, honorable person, and he is a good choice for voters.

Democrat Dennis Moore is in his second term as the 3rd District representative and is in a tight race with Taff, a former United Airlines and U.S. Navy pilot. Although he is a political newcomer, Taff’s 11 years in the Navy and his support of the president’s policies are important considerations. He is a strong advocate for small business, making federal tax cuts permanent and eliminating the marriage tax. He favors lower capital gains taxes, protecting Social Security and a prescription drug benefit program.

More often than not, Moore opposed the Bush agenda, usually following the lead of House Democratic leader Richard Gephardt.

As the generation that fought World War II leaves public service, too few members of Congress have any military experience. The input of military veterans, like Taff, becomes particularly important as the nation ponders military involvements around the world. Veterans offer an important perspective and, in some cases, are less willing than non-veterans to commit military forces.

The Journal-World believes Ryun and Taff would represent Douglas County well in the U.S. Congress.