It will require a deft touch to be an effective representative for West Virginia’s newly created 2nd Congressional District. Stretching across the upper half of the Mountain State, the new district includes West Virginia’s growth regions in Morgantown and Martinsburg and also most of its abundant energy reserves.

Current U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney can meet that challenge.

Mooney, a Republican from Charles Town in the Eastern Panhandle, is seeking his fifth term in Congress on Nov. 8 when he faces Democrat challenger Barry Wendell of Morgantown. Mooney’s experience and contacts built over eight years in Washington make him the better choice to help our state move forward.

Mooney does have much to learn about the new regions of his district. He would be wise to follow current U.S. Rep. David McKinley’s lead and become an ambassador for our state’s energy future. The northern and western regions of the new district contain vast coal and natural gas reserves; and as we transition the nation’s energy portfolio to a more balanced, all-of-the above mix, Mooney must be there to stand up for us.

Mooney’s conservative credentials are solid. He espouses limited government and has fought to bring spending under control in Washington. He can be a champion for West Virginia to ensure our state is not left behind. And with the GOP likely to retake the House, Mooney should be well-positioned to inherit a bigger leadership role in the next Congress. That would be good for West Virginia.

There’s a clear choice on Nov. 8 for the Second Congressional District. We endorse Alex Mooney to return to the U.S. House of Representatives.