Since being elected in 2002, Rep. Michael Burgess of Lewisville has energetically involved himself in Congress. He has been a leading Republican spokesman on healthcare in the debate over Obama's proposals.

That role comes naturally to Burgess, 59. He practiced medicine as a North Texas obstetrician/gynecologist for almost three decades.

Burgess says Obama's approach to healthcare reform is overly broad -- too much for Congress or the nation to handle all at once. He would rather tackle it piece by piece: limiting malpractice liability, covering pre-existing conditions and setting up state and regional risk pools to increase access to health insurance for individuals and small businesses.

Burgess opposes Obama's stimulus spending, preferring to focus on increasing the job creation capabilities of small businesses. He says Congress and the president could build on common ground by targeting issues on which they largely agree, like energy efficiency.

The 2003 redrawing of congressional districts stretched District 26 across southern Denton County and southward to Fort Worth's east side. Burgess has worked to aid east-side economic development and to assist Texas Wesleyan University.

Running against Burgess is James Herford, 43, of Keller. He wants to stimulate energy exploration; put healthcare on a cash basis and let the free market determine prices; cut taxes and regulation; and enforce immigration laws.

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Michael Burgess in the Republican primary race for U.S. House District 26.

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