U.S. Rep Harry Teague, D-N.M., is a class act. While it may be an election year, you wouldn't really know it by meeting the man in person.

It must be difficult for Teague, a Democrat, to represent a constituency that is predominantly Republican. But, he was elected to do the job and he seems to be doing it well.

He is in the unenviable position of taking heat, no matter what he does, from Republicans and Democrats. He voted against the health care reform bill, one of only 30-plus Democrats to do so, because he firmly believed it was not a good bill. Aside from his personal beliefs, he voted on behalf of his constituency, which mostly was against it.

Democrats say they are "giving him a free pass" on that one.

He voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a portion of which is locally helping pay for the Ninth Street bridge reconstruction. Most Democrats lauded it while the GOP faithful plan to use it against him in the upcoming November election.

Part of the stimulus bill Teague supported about $344,000 also went to Z-Trans for three new buses, 15 bus stop shelters, new video surveillance and radio communication systems, bike racks and fare boxes.

Teague fully supports the military and our veterans. He's done many things for Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range because he understands the importance of the military in the Tularosa Basin.

He deeply cares about veterans issues. Since taking office in January 2009, Teague has visited Alamogordo more times than any of his predecessors can claim. During those visits, he ensures face time with local veterans to discuss their issues.

He even made sure Malcolm Lox, a local Korean War veteran, received seven medals Monday that were almost 60 years overdue. To top it off, Teague himself pinned the medals to Lox's suit. You can read more about it in Sunday's edition of the Daily News.

We've heard a few local Republicans have taken notice of Teague's efforts and are backing him in the November election. That's good to hear.

Teague has done many things for Alamogordo and its citizens. It would be a shame if, in the next election, his party affiliation is held against him by other Republicans who fail to see beyond party lines.