With U.S. Rep. Allen West, a tea party favorite, moving to a safer precinct, two veteran legislators from Tallahassee eagerly seized the chance to move up to Congress in newly redrawn coastal District 22. It runs north from I-595 in Broward County to Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.

The contenders are Adam Hasner, 42, a former state representative and Republican majority leader, and Lois Frankel, 64, also an ex-state representative. She was a Democratic leader in the House and is a former mayor of West Palm Beach. Both candidates enjoy strong name recognition and are known as feisty advocates for their causes. The race has become one of the most hard-fought and expensive political battles in Florida this year.

Ms. Frankel believes the government has to invest in infrastructure and innovation and derides the House-passed Republican budget as a threat to undermine the incipient recovery. She wants to increase revenues “in a balanced way” to end tax breaks for the highest earners. She supports the Affordable Care Act because it will help preserve Medicare.

Mr. Hasner says he has crossover appeal, which he needs in order to win this Democratic-leaning district. In general, though, his positions reflect standard GOP opposition to “Obamacare” and other policies.

Our recommendation is for Ms. Frankel on the basis of her longer familiarity with this district and political positions that are more compatible with its voters. For U.S. House, District 22, The Herald recommends LOIS FRANKEL.