We weren't sure we'd get much of a look at the 10 folks running in the June 19 special election to succeed the area's late Congressman Charlie Norwood.

But between media appearances, staged debates and our own interviews with the top candidates, we feel we've got a pretty good handle on the lot.

We've been impressed with each candidate for one thing or another. Nate Pulliam's focus and eloquence on the war on terror should be bottled and sold at Pentagon gift shops. Bill Greene's courage and common sense on illegal immigration ought to be in the water at the White House. And Republican functionaries, take note: that rising star over the horizon is a bright young man named Erik Underwood.

But at the end of the day, no one impresses more, or in as many ways, as does Jim Whitehead.

There's a reason the recently stepped-down state senator from Evans is not just the frontrunner in this pack, but has a legitimate shot at winning the thing on the first ballot. The former Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman isn't just rock-solid physically, but politically as well. He's a smart, engaging, down-to-earth businessman, friend, neighbor and Georgian through and through.

In temperament, heart and homespun values, Jim Whitehead is absolutely the candidate most cut from the great Charlie Norwood's cloth. He is, in short, most representative of the 10th Congressional District.

Indeed, a full five of Norwood's congressional staffers have resigned to work for Whitehead's campaign.

And it was Norwood himself who once called Whitehead and told him he was needed for the state Senate. When Whitehead - a tire store owner and former county commissioner who planned on simply helping others campaign - balked, Norwood insisted he wasn't asking Whitehead to run for the state Senate. He was telling him.

Of course, mere mortals found it difficult to say no to Norwood, and Whitehead won election to the state Senate in 2004 and 2006, and quickly raced to the chairmanship of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. He's been instrumental in helping the state pass some of the toughest illegal immigration bills in the nation - which has a direct bearing on national security, given the fact that officials say known terrorists have slipped across the border.

We need Jim Whitehead in Congress to fight for Georgia values. He's foursquare against amnesty for illegals; in favor of smaller government; a proponent of eliminating the income tax and its long shadow, the IRS, with a national sales tax; and he respects the military's ability to know when it's time to leave Iraq.

Some have attacked him for his outspokenness - but we assure you, Charlie Norwood wouldn't have it any other way. Besides, we're tired of politicians who are afraid of speaking their minds.

We don't suppose Jim Whitehead will be either anytime soon: either a politician or afraid of speaking his mind.

Others around the country have already taken notice. Whitehead has been enthusiastically endorsed by the U.S. House Immigration Caucus; Numbers USA; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; The Concerned Women Political Action Committee of the Concerned Women for America; the National Rifle Association's Political Victory Fund and more. Top Georgia leaders, senators, representatives and sheriffs have all chimed in for Jim.

And so do we.

There is no other candidate with Jim Whitehead's experience and stature. No one in the race better reflects this God-fearing, flag-respecting, self-reliant region than Jim Whitehead. No one else could hit the ground running in Washington like he could. And we don't believe anyone's motives for running are any more virtuous: When Mr. Whitehead goes to Washington, it won't be either an ego trip or a power trip; finally, when you hear someone say "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help," you'll be able to believe it.

Well, we say "finally" - but in truth, it will be more of the same for Charlie Norwood's old office.

Please vote for Jim Whitehead for Congress on June 19.