State Rep. Erik Fresen faces a political newcomer in the general election: Democrat Ross Hancock.

Mr. Hancock, 58, a communications director for a nonprofit group, is waging a door-to-door campaign, trying to make the case that the incumbent is ethically impaired.

Mr. Fresen, 36, does have some financial entanglements involving property taxes that he says he’s working out because of a problem during the closing when he bought the home. A land-use consultant, He also had to contend with an ethics complaint for voting on legislation involving charter schools (his sister and brother-in-law run a charter management firm), but that was thrown out by the state Commission on Ethics.

We believe the real issue that’s upsetting Mr. Fresen’s critics was his legislation to allow a limited number of high-end casino resorts statewide. It would have ended lower-end gambling that now preys on seniors with limited incomes. It also could have helped Genting Resorts, which bought the Herald property to develop, but only if local governments approved a casino on the site.

Mr. Fresen, now seeking a third term in this south-central district that runs from Miami International Airport to Cutler Bay, has been a strong advocate for Miami-Dade County’s interests in Tallahassee. He’s willing to hammer out compromises when warranted.

For State House District 114, The Herald recommends ERIK FRESEN.