The Times endorses...

After one of the most gloriously warm summers in memory, it's difficult to face the serious, back-to-business nature of the fall elections. But the calendar doesn't lie. Tuesday is Primary Election Day. Voters ought to take a few moments to bone up on candidate and issue campaigns. The Seattle Times Editorial Board has been interviewing candidates as well as proponents and opponents of initiatives and propositions.

Our recommendations:

State Supreme Court:

The Times endorses two of three incumbents seeking re-election: Chief Justice Gerry Alexander and Justice Tom Chambers. In the other race, Justice Susan Owens is the weakest of the incumbents: Her opinions have been the least persuasive and her background is the least stellar.

Her opponent, state Sen. Stephen Johnson, is this year's most-qualified challenger and he wins our endorsement. He has been the ranking Republican on the state Senate Judiciary Committee, a man respected on both sides of the aisle. Johnson is a conservative whose doctrine is moderated by experience and temperament.

The court's most important job is to limit the overreaching of the executive and legislative branches of government, particularly when it damages the rights of the people. In our view, the court has been too deferential to those in authority.

Alexander is the better pick in his race. He has the broadest judicial experience of anyone on the court. He has the backing of his colleagues as chief justice. He has an exemplary judicial manner. He is nearing the end of his career — this would be his last term — and he offers stability and continuity to the institution.

Challenger John Groen is a private attorney who took over the client list of Richard Sanders when Sanders was elected to the court in 1995.

Chambers, an eclectic judge in the mold of Sandra Day O'Connor, is the obvious choice in his race. He will support property rights for owners and marriage rights for gays — and can cite the reasons for both. His opponent, Jeanette Burrage, who served one term as a Superior Court judge, is not really prepared for the Supreme Court.

U.S. Congress:

In primary contests, the only smidgen of a real campaign is among Republicans in the 2nd District, which covers Mukilteo and South Everett north to the Canadian border. Doug Roulstone, a retired Navy carrier commander, is endorsed for Republicans. Roulstone is a newcomer to elective office but his military career and local business ties offer the level of experience that puts him in front of his opponent. He is the best choice to face Rep. Rick Larsen in the November general election.

State Legislature:

The hottest primary is the battle among six qualified Democrats to replace state Rep. Ed Murray in the 43rd District of Seattle — Capitol Hill, Wallingford, the University District, Green Lake, Montlake, Madison Park and parts of Fremont and Ravenna. Each in their own way reflects the values of the district, but the clear best choice is newcomer Bill Sherman, a King County deputy prosecutor who focuses on domestic-violence cases. Sherman has the right temperament and résumé to work with legislators from all parts of the state. He has the right stuff to be a top-notch legislator.

The 48th District of north Bellevue, Medina and Redmond is fast becoming a swing district. In the Democratic primary for the state House, Deb Eddy, the former Kirkland mayor and City Council member, has our support. Eddy has an expert's perspective on how state lawmaking affects local governments. Eddy's regional savvy and perspective sweep beyond the boundaries of the 48th.

Voters in Washington's 47th District, in South King County, including Auburn and Maple Valley, would be wise to support Claudia Kauffman in the Democratic primary for state Senate. Kauffman is a Kent resident active in American Indian issues and Kent schools. She has the clearest understanding of the issues facing rapidly growing communities. Kauffman, on the board of trustees at The Evergreen State College, would be a thoughtful representative on education issues.

Two veteran incumbents are recommended in two North End Democratic primaries for the state Senate and House. In the Senate race in the 32nd District, covering parts of Edmond, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, Democrats' intramural squabble is between state Sen. Darlene Fairley of Lake Forest Park and Chris Eggen of Shoreline. Voters have been well served by Fairley and she is the smarter selection.

In the 1st District House race, a district covering North King County, Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore, Mountlake Terrace and Brier, the endorsement goes to Democratic incumbent Rep. Al O'Brien. He is a former Seattle cop who provides Olympia with solid expertise on law-enforcement issues.

In Kitsap County's 26th District primary battle for the state House between two Republicans, the clear choice is Trent England. A newcomer to elected politics, England brings a law degree and the thoughtfulness of a personable policy wonk. He has worked as a legal policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation and is more informed on the issues. The 26th runs from Bremerton south along the eastern half of the Kitsap Peninsula to Gig Harbor.

Ballot measures:

King County voters ought to vote yes to sustain crime fighting by renewing the fingerprint levy, Proposition 1. The Automated Fingerprint Identification System allows for rapid scanning for prints in a huge and growing database. King County is connected to regional, state and national networks that expand the reach of local police and deputies. This is a necessary crime-fighting tool.

Seattle voters should not confuse Initiative 88's good intentions with good policy. Vote no on I-88. This measure would raise $40 million a year in property taxes with the wholesome-sounding purpose of dedicating more money to class-size reduction and other efforts. But, stop, think and vote no. Seattle schools face a growing and substantial deficit. This measure does not help that. None of the money goes toward the deficit. This measure creates new spending needs.

In South King County, a no vote is recommended on Proposition 1, the incorporation of Fairwood. Rejecting incorporation gives Fairwood residents needed time to explore what it takes to become a city and get a better idea of how it might fit into Renton. The more than 20,000 residents deserve more time to figure out what services such as police and fire would look like if they become part of Renton and also what those services would be like if the area becomes its own city.