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U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards' strong understanding of her district's needs helped her ride to victory two years ago — and should do the same again this election.

Edwards represents District 4, which winds through affluent and economically disadvantaged portions of Montgomery and Prince George's counties; however, Edwards has worked effectively with her peers to serve the diverse needs of the district.

Edwards remains intensely focused on health care initiatives, a necessity given the dire financial situation faced in the Prince George's County hospital system. The system loses $12 million annually, in large part because its flagship hospital in Cheverly treats a large number of uninsured patients unable to pay for their care. Edwards has been helping educate residents and nonprofit organizations about the steps needed to bring federally qualified health clinics to the district — a step expected to cut down on emergency room visits and improve care options for low-income residents. She supported the Affordable Care Act, but didn't sign off on it without her input; she spearheaded an effort included in the final legislation to address excessive premium increases by insurance companies.

She has pushed for funding of top transportation projects likely to ease the impact of Base Realignment and Closure changes in her district; worked to improve child nutrition programs; united with police chiefs from Prince George's and Montgomery counties to provide equitable help for anti-gang efforts; and focused on the needs of the business community by bringing together banks, the Small Business Administration and local chambers of commerce to discuss items such as lending practices.

Her major misstep was her April decision to vote in favor of a cost-of-living raise for House members, at a time when county, state and business leaders were weighing furloughs and layoffs. She still supports her vote, reasoning that it was to show support for all levels of federal employees, many of whom live in her district. Her intent may have been well-meaning, but the decision was severely flawed.

Her top challenger, Del. Herman Taylor Jr. (D-Dist. 14) of Ashton, has been effective on the state level but is weak on foreign policy and national issues. He touts plans to host career fairs and other community events that he said Edwards has been slow in doing — and laments that he cannot fill the gap because he doesn't have the staffing levels of a Congress member. His main criticism of Edwards rightly continues to be her disappointing pay raise vote, but he fails to provide a compelling reason for voters to instead elect him.

Edwards has provided strong constituent service during her first full term in office and has worked to make her imprint on important legislation. She deserves to be re-elected.

Robert Broadus of Clinton, the lone Republican running in this heavily Democratic district, is unopposed in the primary.