Ken Fletcher, the incumbent state representative for Winslow and part of Benton, is a diligent, informed and moderate Republican member of the Legislature who is seeking his third term in the House.

He is opposed by Steven Huber, also a Winslow resident. Huber is a Democrat, a chemistry teacher at Lawrence High School and an active member of the teacher's union.

In an interview with the editorial board, Fletcher took mostly middle-of-the road, unremarkable positions that seemed designed to please everyone.

Huber, as a newcomer, was much less conversant on state issues, but appeared to be eager and energetic.

Based on his experience, knowledge of the issues and the need for moderate voices in the Legislature, we endorse Fletcher. We do that despite our misgivings about his relationship with a lobbyist who appears frequently before the Legislature's utilities and energy committee, on which Fletcher serves.

The lobbyist also represents Save Our Sebasticook, the group that unsuccessfully fought to stop the removal of the Sebasticook River's Fort Halifax dam and that was co-founded and has been led by Fletcher. The lobbyist has said some of the work was done pro bono -- legal work done for free in service of the public good.

We have said previously that this puts Fletcher in a position of appearing to benefit from the assistance of someone who seeks Fletcher's support in the Legislature.