Why we endorse
The Herald-Leader believes the tradition of candidate endorsements enhances interest and participation in the civic process, whether readers agree with the newspaper’s recommendations or not. The paper has unusual access to candidates and their backgrounds, and considers part of its responsibility to help citizens sort through campaign issues and rhetoric.
An endorsement represents the consensus of the editorial board. The decisions have no connection to the news coverage of political races and is wholly separate from journalists who cover those races. In this spring primary because of coronavirus, the editorial board conducted interviews through Zoom meetings, which were recorded.
Unendorsed candidates can respond with 250-word letters that will be published as soon as possible.
