Candidate endorsements

President

Democrats: Hillary Clinton demonstrates the deepest, most detailed understanding of how to tackle the challenges facing this country, Kentucky and the world. After serving as U.S. secretary of state and in the Senate and withstanding every possible attack, she is unflappable and highly qualified to be president.

(Republican caucus in March was won by Donald Trump.)

U.S. Senate

Democrats: After watching him in public office in Lexington for 10 years, we enthusiastically endorse Mayor Jim Gray who excels at analyzing complex problems and building consensus around solutions. Gray’s experience and record — in government and the private sector — would serve Kentucky and the Senate well.

Republicans: Sen. Rand Paul stands out in his party for his outreach to minorities and for his calls to reform a criminal justice system that disproportionately traps black men in a cycle of poverty and incarceration. Voters need to hear how he would translate his good ideas into legislative action in a second term.

U.S. House

Democrats: After lobbying the legislature for almost two decades as the Kentucky Council of Churches’ executive director and as a single mother, the Rev. Nancy Jo Kemper has a keen rapport with average Kentuckians and a realist’s understanding of how to get things done in government.

Republicans: Andy Barr, who is seeking his third term in Congress, is a better choice than his Tea Party challenger who would have Republicans threaten government shutdowns and risk national defaults to achieve party goals.

Polls open today from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For precinct information and sample ballots, go to the Kentucky State Board of Elections at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/VIC/.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 6:25 PM with the headline "Candidate endorsements."