America is at a crossroads and whether you are looking to the right or to the left for the best course of direction, the economic horizon looks bleak.

At the national level, Southwest Florida can settle for nothing less than proven leadership and, of equal importance, an established affinity for hard work and the kind of heavy lifting that is required in times of crisis.

What this means is a willingness to think across party lines and imbedded political ideologies. What this means is the ability to define goals and objectives — and not be afraid to state and defend them.

In these turbulent economic times, it also means something more.

It means being so solidly enmeshed in the community you serve that you feel the pulse back home beating as your own when you vote on the hard issues, the ones that ultimately mean either more paychecks or continued job loss, more stability or more foreclosures, less predatory lending or more of the same.

State Sen. Burt Saunders has amply demonstrated the attributes needed to serve in Washington in the challenging months ahead, and we endorse him in the race for the U.S. House of Representatives, 14th Congressional District.

Sen. Saunders, a long-tenured Republican running without party affiliation so as to appear on the ballot open to all voters, has an admirable track record of accomplishment that includes health care, business and environmental initiatives.

His target projects have included HMO practices and reform; six years participation with Enterprise Florida, a statewide economic development group; and numerous environmental initiatives. Those initiatives include the promotion of legislation this past session that reaffirms Florida’s commitment to restoring the Everglades with $2 billion in funding over the next decade to be matched with federal money, and the renewal of Florida Forever, a statewide initiative similar to Lee County’s 20/20 land preservation program. Three billion dollars has been marked for Florida Forever, also over 10 years.

It’s not just his past that has earned Sen. Saunders our endorsement, though, but his plans for the future.

For the short term, Sen. Saunders says he supports measures to extend unemployment benefits. He supports re-regulating the banking industry and the credit card industry to stop usurious fees and other abuses.

He opposes “gimmicks,” such as a short-term freeze on foreclosures but does favor legislation that would allow the courts to alter mortgage terms to help people stay in their homes.

For the long-term, Sen. Saunders was in support of the hotly contested $700 billion bailout/recovery bill and contacted the media ahead of the vote requesting space for his views because he said he wanted people to know his position.

Given public divisiveness on the issue, it certainly would have been politically prudent to stay quiet as he had no vote to cast.

Coming forward anyway is core Burt Saunders: You know where he stands — and why.

We also are confident Sen. Saunders has the experience behind him to get the job done.

A former Collier County commissioner, Sen. Saunders served in the State House from 1994-98 and was elected to the State Senate in 1998, where he has served until he termed out this year. Committee memberships at the state level most recently have included chairmanships of the Social Responsibility Policy and Calendar Committee and the committee for Environmental Preservation and Conservation. Other committees among the 10 listed on the Florida Senate Web site include Commerce, Education Facilities Appropriations, Health and Human Services Appropriations, Health Policy, Judiciary and the Joint Legislative Committee on Everglades Oversight.

In range and in scope, his efforts have run the gamut with numerous kudos attached to his work: Florida Association of Counties, County Championship Award, 2008; Florida Chapter of Republicans for Environmental Protection, 2008 Green Elephant; Fraternal Order of Police, Legislator of the Year, 2008; Audubon Florida, Champion of the Everglades Award, 2007; Florida Public Health Association, Legislator of the Year, 2007; Florida Planning and Zoning Association, Outstanding Legislator Award, 2007; Florida Council on Aging, Award of Appreciation, 2006. The list, posted to the Senate Web site, trails on for two pages, when printed.

Anyone who believes Sen. Saunders is not a viable candidate for national office is, quite frankly, out of touch with Southwest Florida and the caliber of people who call it home.

We do recognize the accomplishments of the incumbent, Congressman Connie Mack. He’s a good Republican, he’s a better politician. And certainly his work to obtain a VA clinic for Cape Coral and his efforts to obtain funding for the widening of I-75 are commendable.

We thank him.

But in these tough times, we’ll go with the workhorse who may lack some of the flash on the track but can competently carry the load the distance.

It does matter who we send to Washington this year.

Vote Burt Saunders to the U.S. House of Representatives, 14th Congressional District.

— Also running:

Connie Mack, incumbent, Republican; Robert M. Neeld, Democrat; Jeff George, no party affiliation