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Here is a summary of The Blade’s endorsements in key election contests:

President
Seldom in its history has the United States been faced with so many challenges. Two overseas wars, international terrorism, global warming, the spread of nuclear arms, the emerging economic power of China and India, and a world economic slowdown are just the tip of an iceberg that includes the continuing problems of Middle East peace, poverty, disease, and human rights violations of every description.

At home, the next president will be met by the continuing mortgage, stock market, and financial crises; more uninsured, jobless, and homeless Americans; factory and business closures; an aging and crumbling infrastructure; skyrocketing health-care costs; struggling schools and rising college tuitions, and increasing dependence on fossil fuels that darken our skies, clog our lungs, and often are controlled by our enemies.

There are no quick or easy remedies but one thing is certain: It is time for a new direction in American politics. The United States needs a president with a vision of the future, a plan to turn that vision into reality, and the intelligence, energy, and ability to inspire his fellow citizens to work, even sacrifice, to build that future. That man is Barack Obama.

U.S. Representative
For nearly 26 years, Marcy Kaptur has served her constituents, and indeed, all of northwest Ohio, well. She has earned important leadership positions while maintaining high ethical standards and avoiding partisan politics. For that reason, voters in the 9th District, which includes most of Lucas, Ottawa, and Erie counties and rural Lorain County, should return her to Congress for a 14th consecutive term.

Ohio Attorney General
In less than two years, state Treasurer Richard Cordray has made great strides in undoing the damage done by the Coingate scandal and establishing firmer oversight over investments by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. He will put that experience to good use as Ohio attorney general, restoring public confidence in an office tarnished by the short tenure of Marc Dann. A talented lawyer, experienced politician, and frugal administrator, Mr. Cordray is our choice for attorney general.

Ohio Supreme Court
Her proven ability as a jurist is the reason we recommend Evelyn Stratton be returned to the state’s highest court, where she has served for 12 years. She is rated very highly by the Ohio State Bar Association and has been a strong advocate on adoption and mental-health issues.
In the other Supreme Court race, Joseph Russo will bring balance to a court sadly lacking in breadth of judicial philosophy. He also will push to eliminate the influence — actual or perceived — of campaign donations on high court decisions.

Ohio Senate
Since moving over from the House in January, Mark Wagoner has become a go-to guy in the Senate, willingly sacrificing personal advancement to promote the interests of Ohio and District 2, which includes Lucas County, Wood County, most of Ottawa County, and Erie County.

Ohio House
Sending a strong slate of representatives to Columbus is critical if northwest Ohio is to have a voice on important issues facing the region and state. To make sure your voice is heard, our recommendations in contested races in the House are newcomer Darlene Dunn in District 46 and incumbents Edna Brown in District 48 and Matt Szollosi in District 49.

Lucas County Recorder
Jeanine Perry is our choice to continue the good work she has been doing as county recorder, saving taxpayer money while emphasizing good customer service.

Ohio Ballot Issues
Issue 1: Ballot issue amendment
Making elections run more smoothly and improving voter confidence are the reasons we urge voters to VOTE YES on ISSUE 1.

Issue 2: Clean Ohio program
To create jobs, reclaim urban land for development, and preserve habitats, open spaces, and family farms, Vote YES on Issue 2.

Issue 3: Water rights amendment
Writing property rights into the state Constitution that already are protected by law adds nothing to the rights of Ohioans, creates a false sense of security, and clutters the Constitution unnecessarily. VOTE NO on ISSUE 3.

Issue 5: Payday lenders’ interest rates
To protect unwary and desperate borrowers by stopping unscrupulous lenders from charging 391 percent interest on short-term loans, VOTE YES on ISSUE 5.

Issue 6: Casino gambling amendment
To prevent a single casino entrepreneur from sullying the state’s founding document by writing what amounts to a gambling monopoly into the state Constitution in an attempt to set its own tax rate (which could be reduced to zero) and discourage competition, VOTE NO on ISSUE 6.

Local Ballot Issues
Issue 34: Toledo Public Schools
Because this 10-year, 4.8-mill renewal levy will not raise taxes but will pay salaries, buy books and technology, and otherwise support the daily operation of schools, VOTE FOR ISSUE 34.

Issue 35: Toledo Public Schools
This 0.7-mill bond measure to be collected over 28 years is a reauthorization of part of the $183 million bond measure approved by voters in 2002. Reapproval is needed to complete the district’s building program and renovate several historic schools. VOTE FOR ISSUE 35.

Issue 37: COSI
Astronaut and former Sen. John Glenn agrees with area business, political, and education leaders: As an emerging national center of “green” research, technology, industry, and jobs, Toledo is the perfect place for a hands-on science center to inspire area youth and attract visitors. The cost per year for the owner of a $100,000 home is less than the price of one movie ticket. VOTE FOR ISSUE 37.

Issue 38: Children Services
This 1-mill, five-year replacement will fund programs to investigate and resolve reports of child abuse, neglect, and dependency. Because these services are critical to the welfare of our children, VOTE FOR ISSUE 38.

Issue 39: MRDD
This 4-mill levy, which replaces a 3-mill levy and a 1-mill levy, will leverage millions in federal Medicare funds to treat county residents with maladies such as mental retardation, spina bifida, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism. VOTE FOR ISSUE 39.

Issue 40: Mental Health
Mental Health and Recovery Services provides critical aid to county residents in need of emergency psychiatric care, diagnosis, treatment, and help with housing. Because a remarkable 97 percent of the agency’s annual budget, of which this 1-mill replacement levy represents only 4.5 percent, goes directly to providing services, VOTE FOR ISSUE 40.

Issue 41: Port Authority
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority performs the vital functions of overseeing our airports, seaport, railway station, and business-loan programs. This 0.4-mill renewal levy will not raise taxes but will allow the port board to continue its work of attracting businesses and jobs to Lucas County. Therefore, VOTE FOR ISSUE 41.

Michigan Ballot Issues
Proposal One: Medical marijuana
To allow doctors, with appropriate state oversight, to relieve the suffering of people with glaucoma, HIV-AIDS, cancer, and certain other conditions, VOTE YES on PROPOSAL ONE.

Proposal Two: Stem-cell research
To allow safe and sensible research that will give hope to millions of people suffering from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and other incurable conditions, VOTE YES on PROPOSAL TWO.

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