Key choices at the pollsEditorialWith the election a few days off, we offer our view on several key races and propositions.In the race for U.S. Congressional District 6, Democrat Steve Owens is challenging two-term incumbent J.D. Hayworth. Hayworth's record of service is lackluster. Owens, whose keen intellect equips him to deal effectively with tough problems, merits voters' support. Major-party candidates in the race for governor are incumbent Republican Jane Dee Hull and challenger Paul Johnson, a Democrat. Voters will choose between Hull's competent but uninspiring service and Johnson's exhilarating vision for Arizona, coupled with consensus-building skills he honed as Phoenix's mayor. We pick Johnson. In making a choice for secretary of state, voters can't go wrong. Incumbent Betsey Bayless, a Republican, and challenger Art Hamilton, a Democrat, both have exemplary careers as public officials. Each is well-suited to sit second in line of succession to the governor. In the race for attorney general, we pick Janet Napolitano over Republican Tom McGovern. Napolitano is thoughtful and decisive. Her exemplary record as a lawyer in private practice and as U.S. Attorney for Arizona qualify her for the state post. Vying for an open seat on the Corporation Commission are Democrat Paul Newman and Republican Tony West. Newman, a lawyer, would bring fresh energy and an open agenda to the commission's historically contentious three-member board. West would carry decades of political baggage into the job. We favor Newman. Among the many ballot propositions, we suggest votes on two that warrant careful attention - 200 and 303. Prop. 200, Campaign Finance, would allow public funding for political candidates, broadening the opportunity for citizens to run for public office. Vote yes. Prop. 303, Land Use Policy, is an environmental wolf in sheep's clothing. While promising to allocate $220 million over 11 years to buy state lands for conservation, the measure would prohibit local governments from planning for growth. Vote no. |