OUR VIEW: Looking ahead

UPDATE: MURDER SUSPECTS CAUGHT

Suwannee Democrat

Discussion

July 30, 2010

Suwannee Democrat

Live Oak — We’re spending this week getting ready for next, when we’ll make our endorsements for the August 24 primary. (Early voting begins the following Monday, August 9.)

We’ll offer recommendations in the two county commission races, the two school board contests and the state House of Representatives District 11 Republican primary.

Not in the Suwannee County Judge’s race, though. As a matter of policy, we choose not to risk further politicizing a job that ought to be above politics. We’re talking about judicial races in general, not just this one. Besides, picking a judge is as much about character as qualifications, and we claim no special insight in that regard. We’ll note in passing, though, that local folks seeking a spot on the bench tend to conduct themselves with a dignity befitting the berobed. That’s certainly been the case this time as well.

We don’t make endorsements in federal or statewide races, either. Our focus is local, our aim to give you insights and opinions you won’t find elsewhere. Crist vs. Rubio, McCollum vs. Scott? Media folk are weighing in on these races everywhere you look. But don’t look for those guys at Suwannee County Commission or School Board meetings. That’s not their bag. It’s ours.

Look for lots more election coverage next week as well. The Last Word, a special political supplement, runs Wednesday. See Friday’s paper for candidates’ responses to questionnaires we sent recently seeking their views on a number of hot topics. They should be hard at work on them as we speak.