On the Democratic side, two appealing candidates are facing off. Stephen Harrison, a lawyer who ran a spirited campaign against Mr. Fossella two years ago, has strong community ties in the Brooklyn part of the district and has demonstrated an admirable passion for public service.
He does not, however, have the record of accomplishment of his opponent, Michael McMahon. Mr. McMahon has done an impressive job representing Staten Island in the City Council since 2001, showing leadership on some of the city's thorniest issues. As chairman of the sanitation committee he was instrumental in overhauling the waste management plan to make it fairer and more environmentally sound, and he has been a steadfast champion of recycling, ushering through pioneering legislation on electronic waste.
Mr. McMahon also has a deep understanding of transportation and infrastructure issues, including a strong commitment to mass transportation. He would be a valuable advocate on these fronts in Washington.
As the only Democrat in the Council from Staten Island, Mr. McMahon has proved adept at reaching out to moderates and conservatives. That broad appeal would be an advantage in representing this conservative- leaning district, which gave 55 percent of its votes to President Bush in 2004. Mr. McMahon wins our endorsement in the Democratic primary.
