With early voting at last under way, the Tribune-Herald editorial board offers its recommendations in selected races. Check out wacotrib.com for more on the election.

* David Dewhurst, lieutenant governor: With our state facing a whopping budget shortfall of $21 billion and the economy wildly uncertain, this is no time to change players midstream. Our editorial board interviews with Dewhurst reveal a man well aware of revenue and spending challenges as well as deep insights into those lawmakers who can help solve these problems over the next few years.

* Greg Abbott, attorney general: We’ve been routinely impressed by Abbott for his efforts to battle cumbersome federal laws that intrude in the province of state government, including health insurance reform. We also appreciate his work to ensure transparency in state and local government, not only for we the news media but for we the people.

* Jerry Patterson, land commissioner: Patterson is one of the most efficient commissioners we’ve seen when actually pursuing the duties prescribed by law. He has cleared the way for renewable energy by leasing a quarter-million acres of state land for wind generators and solar power, and has overseen a tripling of funds deposited in the Permanent School Fund.

* Todd Staples, agriculture commissioner: Of all the statewide races, this one — with the possible exception of the gubernatorial matchup — has proved the ugliest. However, looking past mudslinging, we see no reason not to re-elect Republican Staples to the post of agriculture commissioner for stances ranging from his efforts to bring broadband Internet service to rural Texas to his expansion of the “Go Texan” campaign to market Texas agricultural products.

* Charles “Doc” Anderson, Texas House, District 56: We’re impressed with Democratic challenger John Mabry’s savvy, intelligence and grasp of issues, but urge re-election of Anderson to the House because of his staunch conservative principles, pro-business stance and readiness to address constituent concerns. His constant tax difficulties are a huge embarrassment, but we appreciate his honesty in dealing with this matter. We trust, however, that we have heard the very last of this problem.

* Texas House, District 57: No endorsement. We have reservations regarding this race and leave this strictly up to the voters.

* Jim Lewis, McLennan County judge: We’re very impressed with Ralph Cooper’s legal and administrative background as the Democratic challenger in this race, plus his justifiable concerns regarding construction of a jail that, thus far, we’ve had trouble filling. However, we’re reassured by Lewis’ experience and his confident handling of this complex issue, including an approach focusing intently on the long term.

* District attorney, McLennan County: No endorsement. The editorial board is divided on this race, recognizes the qualifications of both candidates and prefers to leave the matter up to voters.

* Ben Perry, McLennan County Precinct 4 commissioner: We didn’t take sides in the battle between incumbent Ray Meadows and challenger Perry in the GOP primary last spring, but we found both capable. The board’s interview with Perry revealed an enormously impressive, articulate and energetic candidate who believes in constituent services, consensus-building and putting aside blame games to instead seek solutions. We’re all for that — and all for Perry.

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