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Governor

State Attorney General Christine Gregoire is endorsed in the Democratic primary. She is a moderate with a sharp, engaged mind and impressive grasp of statewide issues. Ron Sims has run a spirited, left-leaning campaign with his proposal to create a graduated income tax. Gregoire is better suited for the job.

State Attorney General

The attorney general's race is one of the most exciting in years. On the Republican side, King County Councilman Rob McKenna gets the endorsement. McKenna, who made a name for himself as a master of detail on public policy, knows the political part of the job well. His opponent, Mike Vaska, is a strong newcomer who should return for another run at public office.

Democrat Mark Sidran, the former Seattle city attorney, is a better pick than former state Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn. Sidran has lengthy experience running a large public-law office; he brings competence and toughness to the job.

Superintendent of Public Instruction

In this nonpartisan race, incumbent Terry Bergeson is a superior choice because she is the best guide of education reform. Her challenger, former SPI Judith Billings, would de-emphasize the Washington Assessment of Student Learning test that soon becomes a graduation requirement.

Congress

Democrats and Republicans around the country are keeping a close watch on two open Washington congressional seats, the 8th District in East King County and Eastern Pierce County, and the 5th District in Eastern Washington.

8th District

Among Democrats, former RealNetworks executive Alex Alben is the better choice over radio talk-show host Dave Ross. Alben offers specific proposals on major issues and would bring a businessman's acumen to a sophisticated constituency.

Former federal prosecutor Diane Tebelius is endorsed among the Republicans. She is miles deep on federal topics ranging from health care to energy to media regulation.

5th District

In the 5th District of Eastern Washington, state Rep. Cathy McMorris is the best of three Republican candidates. She was a breath of fresh air when she took over leadership of the House Republican Caucus, bringing a more constructive approach than her predecessor.

2nd District

In the 2nd District, in counties north of Seattle, Island County Auditor Suzanne Sinclair is the best pick among three GOP candidates. Sinclair is endorsed by prominent regional and statewide Republicans and has the most useful experience among candidates vying to replace Rep. Rick Larsen.

Seattle's Families and Education Levy

Vote yes on this continuation and significant expansion of a levy launched years ago by Seattle Mayor Norm Rice. The $116 million levy aims to close the achievement gap between children of different incomes and racial groups. It is not a school levy, but a readiness-to-learn levy.

King County Library System capital bond

Vote yes. A modern functioning King County Library System is a basic part of our civic infrastructure. The $172 million bond measure will be phased in as the current 1988 construction measure expires. All libraries in the system are scheduled for work ranging from maintenance and upgrades to full replacement.

Washington Supreme Court

Position 1

Vote for Robert Alsdorf for the open seat. Alsdorf has the most impressive credentials and recommendations from a broad swath of the legal community.

Position 5

Incumbent Barbara Madsen, a 12-year veteran of the court, is our candidate. She is a strong supporter of public-disclosure laws, and she represents stability on a court that has changed a lot in recent years.

Position 6

Incumbent Justice Richard Sanders is endorsed. He is a thoughtful, independent defender of the rights of individuals against an intrusive government.

Court of Appeals

Vote to retain incumbent Ken Grosse, whose opinions are straightforward and pithy. He has served admirably for 19 years.

King County Superior Court

Pos. 13

We endorse Theresa Doyle because she has well-rounded experience as a public defender and, currently, as a judge on the Seattle Municipal Court.

Pos. 23

Andrea Darvas is recommended because of her strong background and first-rate skills in private practice.

Pos. 42

Mark Mestel is the best selection. He is a thoughtful, high-profile criminal-defense attorney who knows the system inside and out.

Pos. 45

Jim Rogers, a criminal prosecutor, is endorsed because of his experience and strong background in commercial business law. He was endorsed by the Democratic and Republican parties.

Legislature

36th District, House

Democrats should vote to retain Helen Sommers, dean of budget writers in the Legislature. A vicious campaign by a single union that did not get its way in one of the worst budget cycles in history should not tarnish Sommers' stellar reputation. She is an asset to her constituents and the Legislature. The Democratic primary effectively determines the outcome.

11th District, House

Ed Prince is the better choice. The Tukwila resident has the winning combination of experience and vision to stand out in a crowded Democratic primary.

21st District

In Snohomish County, Mary Helen Roberts is strongly endorsed for the House seat in the Democratic primary. She has done extensive work in Washington, D.C., and Olympia on education and children's issues and serves as a trustee of Edmonds Community College.

38th District

Rep. David Simpson, the appointed incumbent, gets the nod in large part because of an earlier term on the Everett City Council. Elected experience counts.

39th District

We like Susanne Olson in the Democratic primary over John Painter. Olson is a veteran high-school civics teacher and vigorous advocate for education topics.

48th District

East of Lake Washington, James Whitfield is the superior candidate among Republicans because of his experience in the health-care field.

45th District

Republican Roger Stark is the best choice. He has more experience and more moderate positions on the issues.

41st District

Geoff Stamper, a retired Boeing executive and lawyer, gets the endorsement among Democrats due to his depth of work experience.