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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 Donna Edwards, Steny H. Hoyer and Chris Van Hollen — can bring the correct balance and foresight to the Congress of 2009.

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.

Hoyer, the longest serving member of the House of Representatives, continues to excel in constituent service in the Fifth District. His district includes parts of Camp Springs and Laurel, communities that will be impacted by the Base Realignment and Closure law, and Hoyer has focused on preparations for the influx of military personnel. A cosponsor of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act, he has also been a staunch advocate of environmental issues. In 2006, the start of his 14th term, he was elected House majority leader, evidence of his continuing ability to lead and work with colleagues. He is challenged by Libertarian Darlene Nicholas and Republican Collins Bailey, a four-term member of the Charles County school board, who is pushing to reduce government spending.

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 Hoyer in key leadership roles, the state of 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.

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.