The 2016 campaign for Maine’s District 2 congressional began a scant few months after the 2014 campaign ended. Shortly after Republican Bruce Poliquin defeated Democrat Emily Cain in a three-way race, Cain announced her intention to run again, and both began building up their ’16 war chests.

On the issues, we agree with Cain on the need for an increase in the minimum wage for workers, and with her stance that no one who works 40 hours a week should live in poverty.

We feel her tenure in the state Legislature gives her valuable experience, and notably her tenure as chairwoman of the House Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and as House Minority Leader. She served during some of the most tumultuous economic times in the state’s recent history, and worked with Republicans to pass a $150 million tax cut — the largest in Maine history.

Regarding immigration, both Cain and Poliquin agree that the safety of American citizens comes first. But what of the current refugee crisis?

“I don’t think we should be, god bless ’em, for all of these middle-eastern refugees – my heart goes out to them – but I don’t think it’s a good idea to let them in our country unless we know exactly who they are,” Poliquin told WABI. “And the FBI has confirmed we have no real secure way to vet them.”

Cain, speaking with The Times Record, seems to reticent to give a definitive answer regarding opening Maine up to more refugees, particularly Syrians who have been victims of a years-long bloody civil war.

We’re not thrilled with either candidate’s response. As one of the richest nation’s in the world, taking in a mere 10,000 Syrians, for example, is not too much to ask of the United States.

We like that Cain has supported overturning Citizens United, as well as her support of an increased minimum wage, sound views on climate change and renewable energy and support for gay marriage and a common sense approach to gun control.

Mainer’s could do a lot worse than Bruce Poliquin, who has worked hard for the first district, and gave the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority a boost with his work on HUB Zone legislation.

However, we have some reservations on Poliquin’s record, starting with his having signed on to Grover Norquist’s stringent tax pledge.

Earlier this year, Poliquin voted against a measure that would have barred federal contractors from discriminating against gay employees, switching his vote at the last minute — the measure failed by one vote, according to published reports, and drew protests. He later joined 40 other Republicans in voting for an amended version.

Also of concern is a 2015 vote to strip Planned Parenthood of federal funding, while having previously stated that he would not do so, according to BDN blogger Mike Tipping.

Poliquin also continues to dodge the question of whether or not he supports Donald Trump, his party’s presidential nominee. It’s a shrewd campaign strategy but robs voters of some insight into Poliquin himself.

We would have liked to hear Poliquin’s response to these concerns. A Times Record reporter made repeated attempts to arrange a meeting with the Congressman — who reportedly owns property in Phippsburg, Bath and most notably Georgetown — to discuss his case for re-election. Poliquin’s campaign’s response: Too busy. We feel that’s a disservice to our readers in the 2nd District communities of Durham and Lisbon, as well as to those who commute from that district to jobs in places like Brunswick Landing and Bath Iron Works.

We endorse Emily Cain.