Over the past week we have outlined the reasons for our choices in the partisan races where there is viable opposition. Our choices include Democrats, Republicans and an Independent. A chief legislative concern next session is the restructuring of state government. A prime Charleston County issue is the control of growth in rural areas.

We also have stated our views on the various referendum questions, which include statewide constitutional changes, along with sales tax questions in Charleston and Dorchester that will determine whether those counties are equipped to deal with major development problems. Following is a recap of those endorsements:

Bush for President

President George W. Bush stood a staggering test when this country was attacked eight months into his presidency by terrorists who crashed into major symbols of commerce and military might and killed more than 3,000 innocent people. While noting Mr. Bush's domestic successes and endorsing some of his reform plans, we don't believe domestic policy is or should be the focus of this campaign. President Bush has the best grasp of the monstrously evil nature of the network of terrorists and the regimes bent on our destruction and on how best to protect America.

DeMint for U.S. Senate

Jim DeMint, the 4th District Republican congressman from Greenville, is dedicated to the important reform of the special-interest laden federal tax code along with the vital rescue of the nation's Social Security system.

S.C. Senate:

Grooms, McConnell,Washington, Campsen, Mescher

Sen. Larry Grooms, a Republican incumbent in District 37, supports government restructuring, more equity in educational funding and would continue to be a strong voice for his constituents.

Sen. Glenn McConnell, the GOP incumbent in District 41 and president pro tempore of the Senate, would lead the governor's campaign for streamlined state government, which he began last year in the Senate.

Maurice Washington, an Independent running in District 42, is a former Charleston city councilman and now chairman of the S.C. State University Board of Trustees. He would be a voice for fiscal responsibility, education and job creation through economic development.

Chip Campsen, a Republican running in District 43, served as legislative liaison and advisor to Gov. Sanford, and would back his reform efforts and continue the ardent support of conservation he began when serving in the House.

William Mescher, the Republican incumbent in District 44, would support the governor's reform program, is committed to ending government duplication and would direct the Senate's attention to the need for support of state roads and bridges.

S.C. House:

Bailey, Jefferson, Smith, Whipper, Scarborough, Smith

Rep. George Bailey, a Republican running in District 97, a firm supporter of Gov. Mark Sanford and his reorganization plans, wants to improve building code enforcement and has a long record of accessible constituent service.

Joseph Jefferson, a Democrat running in District 102 with an impressive resume that includes serving as a highway commissioner, magistrate and school board member, would make education improvements a priority.

Charles Smith, a Republican and Georgetown attorney running in District 108, already has signed Gov. Sanford's Contract for Change and would work hard for government reorganization and tort reform.

Rep. Seth Whipper, a Democrat and an attorney running in District 113, is a thoughtful member of the House Judiciary Committee who has been instrumental in predatory lending legislation and educational changes.

Rep. Wallace Scarborough, a Republican running in District 115, has worked on behalf of important environmental legislation and is a strong supporter of tort reform.

Charlie Smith, a Democrat who is running again for District 119, backs Gov. Sanford's push for a strong executive and a major government overhaul.

Charleston County Council:

Scott, Pryor, Henderson, Inabinett

Former Council Chairman Tim Scott, a three-term incumbent Republican running in District 3, would again work hard to balance the interests of economic development and proper growth management while maintaining a fiscally conservative approach.

Teddie Pryor, a Democrat running in District 5, has an impressive background in community service, and would bring the insights of a small businessman to the task of running county government more efficiently.

Former League of Women Voters President Marilyn Henderson, a Democrat running in District 6, rightly emphasizes the importance of regional planning in handling growth issues.

Former S.C. House member Curtis B. Inabinett Sr., a Democrat running in District 8, also stresses long-range planning for growth, and the importance of maintaining a countywide focus despite the shift to single-member districts.

Charleston School Board (countywide):

Moody, Meyers, Snype

Brian Moody, an incumbent seeking his third term, has played a positive role in removing rancor from the board's deliberations, and looks forward to advancing classroom achievement now that the district's building crisis has been averted.

Gregg Meyers, another two-term incumbent who has helped elevate the level of debate on the board, fairly points out that significant academic gains have been made on his watch and that struggling schools can improve with the right strategies and leadership.

Theron Snype, trying again to win a seat after falling short two years ago, stresses the need to facilitate more business involvement in the schools, and would bring a strong record of community service to the board, including experience as a mentor to youth.

'Yes' on Charleston half-cent sales tax

Charleston County voters should endorse the half-cent sales tax to provide funding for needed bridge and road construction, to maintain the existence of the regional mass transit system and to provide for the preservation of green space, particularly where rural land is threatened by development.

The sales tax would raise $1.3 billion over 25 years, about 30 percent of which would be paid for by those who are visiting Charleston County. It's a good deal for the county's quality of life. It also is critical that supporters vote "yes" on a second ballot question that gives the county bonding authority to get selected road projects under way.

'Yes' on Dorchester one-cent sales tax

Dorchester County voters should vote for a one-cent sales that would raise $125 million for 22 road projects needed to deal with congestion in urban areas, caused by growth and development, as well as provide for general road improvements in the rural part of the county. Voters also should support a ballot question that would give County Council authority to issue bonds to get the road projects under construction.

'Yes' on ending mini-bottle system

The statewide referendum to eliminate the outmoded mini-bottle system should be approved to accommodate the state's hospitality industry, which is an essential part of our vitally important tourism industry, and to deregulate the amount of liquor now legally required to be served in mixed drinks.

'Yes' on farmland tax change

The referendum would allow lawmakers to expand the lower 4 percent assessment ratio for agricultural land to qualifying farm corporations in accordance with changes in the federal tax code.

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