For the primary ballot

CALIFORNIA VOTERS MAY NOT mind a little homework, but the assignments seem to get longer and more difficult every election. Tuesday’s primary vote may actually be more of a final exam than the general election in November. The Democratic and Republican parties have drawn legislative districts so carefully that, in most races, the winners of the primary on Tuesday are all but assured of victory five months from now.

Recognizing that, we interviewed more than 70 candidates and made endorsements in 25 races, from governor to the state Board of Equalization, and on two ballot measures. We endorse selectively, on a case-by-case basis, with special attention to races for which voters have little candidate information, such as Superior Court judges.

We will make our decisions about many of the higher-profile races, in which both candidates stand a fighting chance, closer to Election Day in November. But where we have made a recommendation, we have chosen the person we believe to be the best candidate, even if we are less than enthusiastic about the entire field. That’s how we felt about the Democrats’ choices this year for governor. Also, like any voter, we reserve the right to pick an opposing candidate in five months, if there is in fact a viable opponent.

Here are our recommendations for the state primary election Tuesday. Complete editorials on each endorsement, and a handy clip ‘n’ save guide, can be found at www.latimes.com/endorsements.

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STATE OFFICES

Governor: Phil Angelides. Both leading Democrats, state Treasurer Angelides and state Controller Steve Westly, have run uninspiring and negative campaigns, disappointing voters looking for a solid opponent to face Republican incumbent Arnold Schwarzenegger in November. But at least Angelides has been unwavering in his criticism of quick fixes and false budget promises.

Attorney general: Jerry Brown. Brown sports a remarkable career trajectory, from secretary of state and governor in the 1970s to presidential candidate and party boss, then radio gadfly and now mayor of Oakland. His record shows a rare combination of innovation and pragmatism. Los Angeles City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo has done some admirable things in his current job but cannot match Brown’s breadth of experience.

Superintendent of public instruction: Jack O’Connell. O’Connell has proved a steady and prudent steward of the state Department of Education and deserves reelection to this nonpartisan post.

State Board of Equalization, District 4: Judy Chu. The three-term assemblywoman and former mayor of Monterey Park is innovative and independent and deserves to represent Los Angeles County on the panel that oversees taxes and hears appeals from rulings by the Franchise Tax Board.

State Assembly District 41: Jonathan Levey. Levey’s plans for improving schools, reducing pollution and improving transportation are pragmatic enough to seem achievable. He’s the best candidate running in the Democratic primary in the district stretching from Santa Monica to Oxnard.

District 42: Mike Feuer. The Assembly needs his ability, pragmatism, candor and political skills in the Democratic primary for this district, which includes Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.

District 43: Paul Krekorian. President of the Burbank school board, Krekorian is the better prepared of two candidates in the Democratic primary in this district, which includes Burbank and Glendale and stretches to North Hollywood and Los Feliz.

District 44: Adam Murray. Murray is an up-and-comer with a comprehensive knowledge of the challenges facing the state and his district, which includes La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena and Arcadia.

District 45: Elena Popp. She’s the most independent of the five Democrats vying for the seat representing the district ranging from Hollywood and Echo Park to Mount Washington and El Sereno.

District 48: Anthony Willoughby. The Guatemalan-born Willoughby, a trial attorney, provides the proper balance of insider savvy and newcomer perspective in this rapidly changing district running from south of the Century Freeway up the west side of the Harbor Freeway, then over to Hollywood.

District 49: Mike Eng. An immigration lawyer who serves on the Monterey Park City Council, Eng has a demonstrated passion for the needs of society’s have-nots and a track record of working closely with business. He’s the best candidate for the district that includes Alhambra, Monterey Park and El Monte.

District 51: Steve Bradford. Bradford was an effective member of the Gardena City Council and is the best candidate to represent Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, Westchester and Willowbrook in the Assembly.

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BALLOT PROPOSITIONS

Proposition 81: Yes. This bond measure would provide $600 million for new library buildings around the state to continue a bond building project with a good track record.

Proposition 82: No. This poorly designed ballot measure would impose a new tax, set up a cumbersome bureaucracy to oversee preschools, make a taxpayer-funded program available to families who can pay their own way and require preschool teachers to get a bachelor’s degree and a special credential.

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Supervisor, 1st District: Gloria Molina. Molina should be allowed to continue challenging a closed and often secretive county culture.

Supervisor, 3rd District: Zev Yaroslavsky. Yaroslavsky is pragmatic and conscientious, and he has been a careful guardian of the county budget.

Sheriff: Lee Baca. Two terms may have been enough for the innovative and erratic sheriff, but none of his challengers is up to the job.

Assessor: Rick Auerbach. The current assessor does a good job valuing each of the county’s parcels of property to make sure they are taxed properly.

Superior Court Office No. 8: Alan H. Friedenthal. He already performs excellent work as a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner.

Office No. 18: Daviann Mitchell. The gang prosecutor is the best candidate in a crowded field of six.

Office No. 28: Judith L. Meyer. An outstanding candidate, she was one of only two to be evaluated as “exceptionally well qualified” by the Los Angeles County Bar Assn.

Office No. 95: Susan L. Lopez-Giss. She brings more than 30 years as an innovative prosecutor and civil practitioner in the city attorney’s office.

Office No. 102: Hayden Zacky. His prosecutorial experience, demeanor and presence make him ready to serve as a judge.

Office No. 120: Dzintra Janavs. This experienced judge, rated “exceptionally well qualified” by the L.A. County Bar Assn., deserves another term.

Office No. 122: Daniel J. Lowenthal. He has a breadth of experience in both civil and criminal matters in the Los Angeles city attorney’s office.

Office No. 144: David W. Stuart. This capable prosecutor is the best candidate in a field of seven.

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ORANGE COUNTY

Sheriff: Ralph Martin. A commander in the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, Martin has the manner and the management skills to pull the Orange County Sheriff’s Department together and end the turbulent stewardship of Michael S. Carona.