The most-expensive U.S. House race in American history is now over. That it happened in our backyard yanked metro Atlanta front-and-center for many long weeks in the scrum that now passes for politics in these 50 states.
Georgians chose veteran politician Karen Handel to represent them in a 6th Congressional District that proved remarkably diverse in its voting. The hard-fought nature of the race culminated in last week’s runoff election.
As is the case in our representative democracy, the voters have made their choice and that decision should be respected. Such is the American way.We wish Rep.-elect Handel best wishes for success in representing the interests of constituents and, to a degree, all Georgians as she joins our congressional delegation.
She has a tough job ahead of her. The relatively tight voting results point toward strong feelings on both sides of the aisle that show no indication of diminishing soon. They are certain to linger as Handel heads off to Washington. We urge her not to forget that, and trust her political and life experiences up to nowhave prepared her for this new role.
Handel rejoins government at a tumultuous time for the system, custom and practice that is Washington. The nation seemingly is finding new ways each day to deepen partisan divides. Dissatisfaction and populist anger are at levels not seen in decades. “Us” versus “them” seems the dominant, underlying motive across the land for most anything impacting more than one person.
Such rampant division and distrust has made governing so difficult that transacting eventhe people’s routine, necessary business has often been delayed, if not brought to a gridlocked political standstill.
Last week’s release of the Senate’s version of an Obamacare replacement proposal tees up the next round of rancor as the legislation lurches toward a likely vote, perhaps as early as this week.
Given that healthcare affects every one of us, it would seem, however naively, to lend itself to bipartisan action. The birth of the original Affordable Care Act proved that wasn’t the case, as Democrats shoved through legislation against the staunch, and vocal, opposition of Republicans.
With the GOP now in control of the White House and both houses of Congress, many expect a repeat of this one-way performance as the latest iteration of health care legislation comes up for action.
As we’ve said here before, we believe that our system of government works best when all relevant sides are fully in the mix as matters are debated, then acted upon. Bipartisanship can help temper overreach on both sides of the aisle, much as our time-honored governmental separation of powers acts as a counterbalance against excesses.
People of good intentions, but differing views, will not always fully agree. That’s asking way too much, especially these days. Diverging viewpoints should not, however, block the necessity of reaching workable solutions that both sides can live with.
Nothing illustrates that more than what should be a common desire to provide greater access to at least basic health care services in a manner that is as affordable and available as as humanly and fiscally possible. That should not be too much to ask of this nation.
Getting there, and getting most anything else done in Washington or at the Gold Dome, will happen most readily only if we relearn how to work together on common problems.
We were thus encouraged by Handel’s acceptance speech last week. Referencing the shooting attack on GOP lawmakers at an Alexandria ballfield, Handel said, “we need to also lift up this nation so that we can find a more civil way to deal with our disagreements.” She went on to say that, “To the Jon Ossoff supporters, know that my commitments, they extend to every one of you as well. We may have some different beliefs, but we are part of one community, the community of the 6th district. And I will work just as hard to earn your confidence in the weeks and months ahead.”
We hope Handel holds true to that promise. The nation sorely needs such olive branches these days. More importantly, we need to get things done.
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