It is not an overstatement to say that the Midpeninsula is home to some of the best and most respected legislators to be found anywhere.

This year's ballot line-up for Congress, State Senate and State Assembly features three individuals who have long track records of outstanding service to the local community, great influence and respect among their colleagues and a commitment to bipartisanship.

Anna Eshoo and Byron Sher are seeking reelection to the House of Representatives and the State Senate, respectively, and Joe Simitian is hoping to move from county supervisor to Assembly.

All three are Democrats and all three face opponents who simply can't measure up to their experience and broad-based support.

Eshoo is opposed by Republican Bill Quraishi, who has run for Congress three previous times and whose focus is on getting rid of professional politicians.

Sher faces opposition from pro-choice moderate Republican Gloria Hom, a college teacher and former member of the state board of education.

Simitian is opposed by Foster City Mayor Deborah Wilder, also a pro-choice Republican who identifies affordable housing as her top priority.

As the only race without an incumbent (the seat is vacant because term limits prevented Ted Lempert from seeking reelection), the campaign for Assembly could be the closest. Simitian is not well known in San Mateo County, although he should more than make up for it by his high visibility and support in northern Santa Clara County.

Simitian has prepared himself well for the state legislature, having served on the Palo Alto school board, the Palo Alto City Council and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. He's incisive, innovative and a quick study on almost every issue. His hard work on the Stanford land use permit during the last year is an example of his strong leadership, problem-solving and communication skills.

Anna Eshoo and Byron Sher's voting records superbly reflect the progressive, socially liberal, environmental values of our area. Neither is afraid to take on the leaders in their party, nor to take positions that might be unpopular here at home. They are widely respected even by those who disagree with them on specific issues.

The Midpeninsula is fortunate to have the likes of Eshoo, Sher and Simitian, and we strongly recommend their election.