This inland district meanders through Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Hendry counties. It encompasses some of the poorest communities in South Florida along with diverse, middle-class cities like Lauderhill and the west sides of coastal cities such as Delray Beach. Incumbent Democrat Alcee Hastings, 72, is opposed by Republican Marion Thorpe Jr., 44, a physician.

Mr. Thorpe says a major goal is to develop and implement ''quality healthcare systems that are both affordable and accessible.'' He is short on specifics of how to accomplish this other than to expand multiple-payer programs. Mr. Thorpe supports using more alternative energy while stepping up oil and gas drilling in the United States to reduce foreign-oil consumption. According to his website, Mr. Thorpe opposed the $700 billion financial-market bailout.

We recommend that voters return Rep. Hastings to Congress, where he has served ably since 1992. Mr. Hastings thinks and acts both globally and locally. He chairs the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, an offshoot of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe -- an international security accord. Conversely, Mr. Hastings has long pushed for single-member district city commissions in communities such as Hallandale Beach, where black residents are underrepresented.

Mr. Hastings supported the bailout plan. He opposes expanding drilling off Florida's coast, calling for more research into alternative fuels. When gas prices soared this summer Mr. Hastings introduced a bill to create a gas-tax credit for working families. Before the Iraq invasion Mr. Hastings sought, without success, to make the administration create a long-term plan for the stabilization of Iraq.

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