VOTERS in Tuesday's primary election get the favored triple combination: extra voting power, important races, and enough turkeys in the political straw to maintain the urgency of this ultimate, democratic act.

The Senate primary race between Democrats Deborah Senn and Maria Cantwell has gotten the most attention, but the judges' races will have as great an impact on people's lives in Washington state. Other key votes include the measure to improve Harborview Medical Center and the Highline School District construction bond.

In Tuesday's primary election, The Times endorses:

U.S. Senate (Democrat):

Maria Cantwell: High-tech executive Maria Cantwell is better prepared than state Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn to challenge Republican incumbent Sen. Slade Gorton. A former state legislator and one-term congresswoman, Cantwell's views on free trade and the new economy make this New Democrat a better representative for the state's interests.

State Supreme Court:

Position 2: Terry Carroll. Carroll is a former King County Superior Court judge, county prosecutor and legal mediator known for ethical leadership and public service.

Position 7: Bobbe Bridge. This highly regarded former King County Superior Court judge was appointed to the high court last year, and deserves election.

Position 9: Ken Grosse. Grosse is an experienced judge for the state Court of Appeals with a reputation for toughness and an appreciation for legal clarity and precedent.

Secretary of state:

Republican: Mike Wensman. State Rep. Wensman of Mercer Island is a retired business executive and rising Republican star with extensive overseas experience and a thorough grasp of statewide issues.

Democrat: Bob Terwilliger. Terwilliger's seven years as Snohomish County auditor make him well-attuned to new challenges in the elections process. He is the strongest Democratic candidate.

State insurance commissioner:

Republican: Curtis Fackler. Fackler, a Spokane businessman and former insurance agent, leads a weak field to replace outgoing commissioner Deborah Senn.

Democrat: Mike Kreidler. Kreidler's work as a former state legislator, one-term congressman and regional director of the federal Department of Health and Human Services would help him in this tough job.

Commissioner of public lands:

Republican: Doug Sutherland. Term limits are forcing the popular and respected Pierce County executive out of office. He is an expert manager, but would need to balance his desire for bigger timber harvests with environmental realities.

Democrat: Mike Lowry. Former Gov. Mike Lowry understands statewide land-management issues and could improve the influence of the office of outgoing Commissioner Jennifer Belcher.

Lieutenant governor:

Republican: Joe Mitschelen. Okanogan County project manager Joe Mitschelen wants to bring his party's ideas to Olympia.

Democrat: Brad Owen. Incumbent Brad Owen has served ably in this low-power office.

Legislature:

41st District (Republican): Conrad Lee. Bellevue City Councilman Conrad Lee leads a deceptively weak field of candidates.

45th District (Republican): Janice Linville. Linville is a Lake Washington School Board member and retired nurse with knowledge of statewide educational issues.

King County

Position 2: Cheryl Carey.

Position 3: Julie Spector.

Position 11: Mike Finkle.

Position 15: Mary Yu.

Position 17: Donald Haley.

Position 21: Greg Canova.

Position 25: Jim Doerty.

Position 26: Laura Gene Middaugh.

Position 30: Doug North.

Position 51: John Erlick.

Harborview bond issue:

Vote yes to support $193 million in tax-supported bonds to refurbish and expand Harborview Medical Center.

Fingerprint levy:

Vote yes to renew the Automated Fingerprint-Identification System, a crime-fighting database for scanning fingerprints and identifying criminal suspects.

City of Kent:

Vote yes to approve a $14 million bond for a two-stage, 600-seat performing arts center. About $30 a year for the average Kent household is a good deal for a theater.

Highline School District:

This 20-year, $297.5 million construction-bond measure for Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Sea-Tac and White Center would replace or upgrade nearly half of the district's schools, for about $300 a year for the average household. The bond would reverse the startling decline of the campuses, now known for asbestos, broken sewer pipes and falling ceiling panels more than educational excellence. Vote yes.

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