Our choices on today's ballot

Virginia has been at a crossroads - in a political traffic jam - for years. Lawmakers' inability to agree on a way to pay for transportation improvements has resulted in potholed interstates and clogged secondary roads.

Not only is there no money to build new roads, but the commonwealth is having to borrow to repair the old ones. The port's growth has been stymied because trucks can't get their loads in and out. If a serious hurricane again blows into Hampton Roads, there's no way for residents and tourists to escape.

As leaders look to solve this most pressing problem, they're also looking at double-digit unemployment rates in many parts of the state. The recession has sent Virginia's revenues tumbling, resulting in another billion-dollar cut to the budget - the fourth such cut in two years. This time, it's unlikely the schools will be spared. More, too, will have to be stripped from the roads budget.

Today, Virginians go to the polls to choose the people to lead us out of this mess.

For governor, we recommend Creigh Deeds, a moderate state senator who has supported the prudent budgetary management of Govs. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Deeds, a Democrat, has pushed for strong economic development programs, supported plans to link college scholarships with public service, and has a practical approach to solving problems and getting results.

If Deeds' transportation approach doesn't thrill with its boldness, it is still superior to the disappointing and familiar one proposed by former Attorney General Bob McDonnell, which promises neither the money nor the support to move Virginia forward.

In the race for attorney general, Steve Shannon, a Democrat from Fairfax County, has been a centrist who gravitated toward bipartisan compromises on budget and transportation issues. That background will lend him a steady hand as he guides the legislature through what promises to be a tumultuous effort to redraw political districts in 2011.

Shannon's emphasis on the nuts and bolts of lawyering stands in stark contrast to his opponent, state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, who seems likely to continue the cultural and partisan warfare that has marked his time in the legislature, and which will distract Virginians from the important issues facing us.

In the race for lieutenant governor, neither incumbent Bill Bolling nor Jody Wagner has made a compelling case for election. Bolling's thin record of accomplishments is a legacy of his refusal to take a leadership role on hard issues. Wagner's background in budgeting and business gives her the superior resume, but she is loath to take more courageous positions than her opponent on road investments.

House of Delegates

21st District: Del. Bobby Mathieson's signature issues involve public safety, but the Democrat says he's willing to support most any plan to improve transportation - as long as it doesn't cut schools or public safety.

64th District: Del. William K. Barlow will bring disharmony and blight to his district if he continues his support for a coal-fired power plant in Dendron. But history shows the Democrat has been adept at perceiving what is best for his constituents and responding to their needs, and we believe he will continue that record.

80th District: Democrat Matthew James has a grasp of regional and state issues that makes him sound like a veteran even though he's seeking his first term for this open seat. He should be a standout in what is likely to be a large freshman class.

82nd District: Del. Bob Purkey, the Republican chairman of the House Finance Committee and one of Virginia's fiercest protectors of its port, is in a position to forge compromise on transportation. His challenger, Peter Schmidt, is a worthy opponent with creative plans to ease traffic and improve education, but Purkey's experience and seniority are too important to lose.

83rd District: Del. Joe Bouchard has a deep understanding of Virginia's transportation problems as well as its military issues. The Democrat has pushed for investment in renewable energy and has looked out for veterans and their families. He deserves voters' support.

85th District: Del. Bob Tata maneuvered a light rail study through last year's transportation special session, making him the only success story in an otherwise demoralizing morass. Tata, a Republican, is devoted to Virginia Beach, and he deserves to be on the field for another season.

87th District: Del. Paula Miller, a Democrat, has matured as a lawmaker, and her unfailing support for a solution to the region's transportation problems makes her the far better choice than her opponent.

89th District: Democrat Del. Kenneth Alexander has the talent and the grounding to be a leader for Hampton Roads. He's attentive to his constituents, and he lends a thoughtful voice to the dialogue on this region's most serious challenges.

90th District: Incumbent Del. Algie T. Howell Jr., a Democrat, is a quiet, dependable leader, and his work to ban smoking in restaurants and prohibit texting while driving will benefit his community and the state.

100th District: Del. Lynwood Lewis' even-keeled pragmatism and his aversion to showboating allow the Democrat to work harmoniously with fellow lawmakers in both parties.

Constitutional officers

Virginia Beach sheriff: Republican state Sen. Ken Stolle has been one of Hampton Roads' most valuable players in the legislature. Richmond's loss should be Virginia Beach's gain.

Virginia Beach commonwealth's attorney: Republican Harvey Bryant is ethical and no-nonsense and deserves voters' support.

Norfolk sheriff: Incumbent Bob McCabe has shown strong stewardship of limited resources and has earned re-election.

Chesapeake sheriff: Incumbent John Newhart has built a department that ably runs the jail and provides court security. We see no reason to change the leadership.

Portsmouth sheriff: Democratic incumbent Bill Watson, though controversial, has more experience than his opponent.

Suffolk sheriff: Raleigh Isaacs' experience in local law enforcement and his deep connection to the city argue strongly for his return to office.