The Herald-Leader believes the tradition of candidate endorsements enhances interest and participation in the civic process — whether readers agree with the paper's choices or not. The newspaper has unusual access to candidates and their backgrounds and thinks part of its responsibility is to help citizens sort through campaign issues and rhetoric.

An endorsement represents the consensus of the newspaper's editorial board, listed at the bottom of this page. Editorial board decisions have no connection to the news coverage of political races. The McClatchy Co., which owns the Herald-Leader, plays no role in any endorsements.

Unendorsed candidates who met with the board are allowed responses. A complete list of endorsements will be published Oct. 28 and Nov. 6.