The Times endorses
Chris Washington, King County Superior Court judge, Position 42

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His opponent, Catherine Moore, has been a temporary commissioner of family law, had a short-term job as tribal judge and has been a private attorney specializing in divorce and custody cases. She is capable, and her experience in family law would be useful to the court, which has been doing more and more cases in family law each year.

However, judges on the Superior Court are rotated and expected to learn all aspects of the law. Four judges are leaving the bench this year, and their expertise tends to be more like Washington's.

Washington spent four years as a criminal prosecutor, much of it in juvenile law. As a private attorney, he has done criminal defense work. On the civil side of the law, he has represented cities, property owners and medical-malpractice claimants. It is a broad experience, broader than his opponent's.

Those who have seen Washington in court give him high marks. They suggest that he has a forceful personality and the necessary demeanor to rein in attorneys during jury trials.

Washington has also raised more than 20 times the money Moore has, and he has a higher rating from the local bar association.