Anyone who doubted U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley’s potential as a congressman — which initially included us — had to have been swayed by his performance on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

On March 28, 2007, this freshman Democrat congressman’s questions exposed blatant politicking within the General Services Administration intended to steer government contracts to influence GOP victories. His skillful questioning of GSA chief administrator Lurita Doan showed Braley at his best. Doan is now the GSA’s ex-administrator. And Braley is our clear choice for Iowa’s First District congressional seat.

We’ve found Braley to be a meticulous student of Congress and extraordinarily responsive to constituents.

In a Times Editorial Board interview, Braley explained his hour-by-hour struggle with the succession of bailout bills and his point-by-point critique of each one. He came around to support the final bill, only after it bolstered FDIC coverage for Americans’ bank savings and included other protections for working families.

He said subsequent stimulus bills must include money for infrastructure, funding we agree will invest in local communities and create middle-class jobs.

Braley demonstrated a bit of clout by helping to win $2.65 billion in Midwest disaster relief within two weeks of Iowa’s flooding and expediting responses from FEMA and HUD.

The first-term congressman faces Iowa Republican state Sen. David Hartsuch, who is waging a game fight without much support from the state or national party. We disagree with many of Hartsuch’s social and economic positions. But we can’t deny his appeal. Hartsuch has learned a lot in his first state Senate term and campaigns respectfully, honestly and transparently.

Like Braley, he has focused this campaign solely on issues, a refreshing distinction this political season.

Braley won the support of most First District voters last election. He wins the support of our editorial board this time around.

We endorse U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley.