The 15th District is fortunate to have two principled legislators running for the Democratic nomination for its seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both Reps. Lynn Rivers and John Dingell have admirably served their districts and their constituents with exceptional talent. Their noble support of civil liberties in the wake of the Bush administration's excesses has been matched by few legislators in Congress. They are both progressives who have supported Michigan's workers, often in a hostile legislative environment. Despite these mutual credentials, there are crucial differences between the representatives.

The most important distinction is their positions on gun control. Rivers has continuously sought strong restrictions on gun ownership that would help ease the scourge of gun violence across the nation. This problem, particularly acute in Southeast Michigan, has not been acknowledged by Dingell. While Dingell, an outdoorsman and hunter, may perceive firearms as an enjoyable and harmless pursuit, the human costs of his positions are unacceptable. The congressman's positions are so extreme that the National Rifle Association has initiated a direct mail campaign urging its members to vote for Dingell, an unusual show of support for a Democratic candidate. While this is the most substantive difference between the representatives, their legislative records are marked with philosophical differences on pivotal issues.

Dingell is a moderately pro-choice legislator, but EMILY's List, the powerful pro-choice advocacy group, has endorsed Rivers with a 100 percent rating. Rivers has also earned the endorsement of the Sierra Club. Dingell has authored landmark environmental legislation such as the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. However, his extensive connections with Michigan's automobile industry, has often prevented him from supporting the most important environmental legislation and policies.

Rivers is uniquely suited to advocate the educational interests of the district on the Hill. Rivers is a member of the House's Education Committee and can be a vital asset to a Congressional district with numerous centers for higher education, from Eastern Michigan University to the University of Michigan. Rivers is in a prime location to help the tens of thousands of students in the area if she is reelected. Her legislative clout will help the University, particularly if the Democrats successfully regain the House.

Dingell has accomplished more for Michigan in his 46 years as a congressman, but Rivers has the more promising future. If the Democratic Party achieves its election goals, Rivers will be a member of a Democratically-controlled House for the first time in her career. Her youth, energy and a burgeoning national reputation make her the best choice for the district's voice in the House.

The most recent polls have shown a dead heat between the candidates. It is important that progressives throughout the district, mobilize on election day for Rivers. Her base of support in Ann Arbor must turn out en masse on Aug. 6 to secure her victory. Most primaries have low voter turnouts and suffer from a lack of interest. This is a primary that will shape the future of the district and cannot be forgotten in the halcyon days of summer.

The Michigan Daily endorses Lynn Rivers as the Democratic nominee for the 15th District's U.S. representative.