Among primary election races to be decided on Tuesday, none is stranger than that for Texas Senate District 22, pitting trusted, longtime Republican legislator Kip Averitt, based in Waco, against GOP challenger Darren Yancy, a Tea Party favorite who hails from the Fort Worth suburbs of Johnson County.

After signing up to run for another term, Averitt suddenly announced the cessation of his re-election campaign because of serious health problems, leaving the field entirely to Yancy — and leaving at least some Central Texas Republicans more than just a little concerned about proper representation.

Civic and business leaders in McLennan County became even more nervous about the sudden lack of a viable choice, especially as reports began to surface about what some argue is Yancy’s seeming penchant for frivolous lawsuits and the loss of his real estate license last year for “untrustworthiness” in the way he conducted some of his business. Even the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, in Yancy’s own backyard, has balked. Noting wild inconsistencies in his views, including his advocating the shooting of illegal immigrants crossing the border, the paper concluded that Yancy “shows no indication that he is prepared to serve in the Texas Senate.”

Which is why many are actively endorsing Averitt for re-election, especially considering that his name remains on the Republican ballot. Former state Sen. David Sibley tells us that the hope is Averitt’s health will rally in time for the 2011 legislative session, ensuring McLennan County and our surrounding area are not overlooked at a crucial point in state history.

If Averitt opts against this, the hope is that savvy Republican voters can ensure Averitt nonetheless carries the day on Tuesday, eventually allowing a special election to determine who can thoughtfully take up the sword that Averitt has brandished so effectively in realms as diverse as finance, water, the environment and children’s health insurance.

The race so far has been practically enigmatic. Beyond a statement explaining his health problems, Averitt has done or said nothing to encourage any campaigning on his behalf. Yancy, while answering some questions about his legal and professional troubles, declined an invitation extended a month ago to sit down with some of the Trib editorial board to discuss his views.

That makes it easy for us to urge Central Texans who care about rational and intelligent representation in the Texas Senate to choose the prudent course and vote for Kip Averitt. That means more political machinations in the weeks and months ahead, but it goes a long way toward ensuring a sensible conservative voice for Central Texas in the coming years.