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The three members of Congress who represent portions of Montgomery County are all facing spirited opponents in next month's election.

With a troubled economy and the nation ensnared in conflicts abroad in a changing and complex world, the times require national leaders with intellect and insight — and the ability to listen to their constituents and find effective solutions with their colleagues.

Americans generally judge Congress to be ineffective, partisan and lacking in statesmanship. Events in recent weeks underscored this disconnect.

Our hope is that our representatives, all incumbents in the House of Representatives — Democrats Christopher Van Hollen Jr. in District 8 and Donna Edwards in District 4 and Republican Roscoe Bartlett in District 6 — can bring the correct balance and foresight to the Congress of 2009.

Van Hollen, a former state legislator from Kensington first elected to Congress in 2002, has navigated the partisan waters and, as he describes it, has earned a "voice at the table" among the Democratic leadership. With Van Hollen, and the long-serving Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Dist. 5) in key leadership roles, Maryland is well represented.

On major issues, Van Hollen speaks capably about the need for broader energy policies to curb America's thirst for foreign oil, the need for better health care, environmental protection and education support.

Van Hollen's major opponent, Steve Hudson, is a physician and lawyer from Silver Spring who labels himself a "moderate Republican" and "a Washington outsider." There are two unaffiliated write-in candidates and one each from the Libertarian and Green parties.

Edwards, the newest member of the state's delegation who won a special election in the Fourth District after the incumbent Albert Wynn made an unceremonious early exit following a primary loss, has been a quick study. Parts of her district, which includes Prince George's County, have the highest mortgage default and foreclosure rates in the state and Edwards recognizes the need for reforms in banking and bankruptcy rules to assist those in legitimate need. Building her stature and influence will take time and determination and she is up to the task.

Edwards, of Fort Washington, has been fully engaged in studying details of complex legislation and champions progressive causes fitting her district. Her Republican opponent, Peter James of Germantown, is championing a local currency over the dollar. There are three write-in candidates and one Libertarian.

Bartlett, of Buckeystown, whose Sixth District covers the northern tip of Montgomery and points west, remains one of the more conservative members in Congress. The octogenarian's background — scientist and inventor, farmer, builder and businessman — have suited him well in eight terms and his "citizen-legislator" persona plays strongly in the district. His legislative accomplishments are middling, centering mostly on energy policy reforms and science.

Bartlett's biggest challenger, Democrat Jennifer P. Dougherty, is thin on critical national issues and her tenure as Frederick's mayor from 2002 to 2005 is recounted for its strident tone and divisiveness.

A Libertarian from Western Maryland, Gary W. Hoover Sr., is also on the ballot. Depending on the outcome of an Eastern Shore race, Bartlett could be the lone Republican on the state's eight-member congressional delegation if he is re-elected.

In these House races, experience matters and "Washington insider" doesn't have to be a pejorative. Demanding times, at home and abroad, require stability, something these three congressional incumbents provide.