Times endorsements

To a state desperate for leadership, he brings the seen-it-all-before wisdom of a political veteran.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom gets the nod because he is most prepared to be governor if the need arises.

Given four more years on the job, the incumbent Bowen could bring several important modernization efforts to fruition.

The incumbent's generally good performance during the last four budget meltdowns makes him the best choice again.

California has been well served with Lockyer as state treasurer and would be well served by keeping him in the post for another four years.

L.A.'s district attorney is a true centrist with proven managerial skills. The Republican is the pick over a strong Democratic rival, Kamala Harris.

His expertise is needed for the successful implementation of healthcare reform in the state.

The contrast between the Democratic U.S. senator and her Republican challenger, Carly Fiorina, couldn't be starker.

The Times backs Randy Hammock and Alan Schneider in their respective races.

Confirm Schwarzenegger's pick for chief justice and reconfirm two other justices on the ballot. For the appeals court, all incumbents deserve a yes vote.

The pragmatic former superintendent would balance a commitment to reform with a grasp of the difficult task facing teachers.

Wong's experience as chairman of the county Assessment Appeals Board, together with his business and real estate acumen and his lack of political entanglements, make him the best candidate for the important but low-profile job of appraising property for tax purposes.

The marijuana legalization measure is poorly thought out, badly crafted and replete with loopholes and contradictions.

Democrats prosper by drawing themselves solidly Democratic seats, and Republicans benefit equally by lines drawn to protect their elected officials. It's time to undo this system, so yes on Prop. 20.

Yes, California's parks need the money. But so do many programs. Proposition 21's special tax to help the parks would just further tie the Legislature's hands on budget matters.

The ballot measure would bar the state from diverting certain types of local revenue. It's not the right solution.

Suspending California's global warming law would take the state, and the country, in the wrong direction.

Proponents argue that the tax breaks it seeks to repeal will do little to create jobs and that they were sneaked into the budget to avoid public scrutiny. But the initiative process is the wrong way to address those complaints.

Proposition 25 would help ease the budget gridlock and deserves passage.

Proposition 26's attack on business fees is wrong; it should be defeated.

Democrats prosper by drawing themselves solidly Democratic seats, and Republicans benefit equally by lines drawn to protect their elected officials. It's time to undo this system, so vote no on Prop. 27.