The Times recommends voters re-elect District 41 Democrat Judy Clibborn to the state House of Representatives

STATE Rep. Judy Clibborn receives the Times' nod for a fifth term representing the 41st Legislative District.

The Mercer Island Democrat is knowledgeable and experienced about the complexities of our state transportation system. As chair of the state House of Representatives Transportation Committee, Clibborn charted a blueprint for freight mobility and roads. She pushed through workable legislation on Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct, even though it came with a poison pill: murky language about whether Seattle or the state would be responsible for cost overruns.

Outside of transportation, Clibborn's record is less distinguished. She was part of the crowd in Olympia whose uncontrolled spending helped drive the state budget into a hole.

Constituents in Clibborn's 41st District, which spans Bellevue, Newcastle, Mercer Island, west Issaquah and northeastern Renton, are best served by a thoughtful experienced lawmaker. Clibborn's two opponents are unqualified and unprepared to replace her.

Republican Stephen Strader, a Bellevue software consultant, wants less government spending but is unfamiliar with the priorities-of-government state budget framework.

Renton resident Orion Webster, running as an independent, also wants reduced government but his oft-cited reflections on the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence underscore challenges for federal government, not the state.

Neither Strader nor Webster could identify specific committees they'd like to work on in Olympia. Neither has a robust campaign nor raised significant funds. Webster, a security supervisor and college student, is still setting up his campaign website. Both are just starting to get to know their district.

The unsuitability of her opponents gives Clibborn a pass she must work hard in the next legislative session to earn. She must show independence from the Democratic leadership, particularly House Speaker Frank Chopp.

Clibborn has been saying the right things of late, including the need to dramatically pare back state spending and develop a long-term budget solution for higher education. Good.

Clibborn gets our endorsement but is on notice to do better.

This editorial originally said Judy Clibborn was running for her fourth term. She is running for her fifth.