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Members of the North Carolina House of Representatives need first a familiarity with the people in their individual districts. They receive calls about all kinds of constituent needs and concerns, and they must be inclined to make addressing them a top priority.

The upcoming session of the General Assembly will be a tough one. Members can expect to face a large budget shortfall and will have to make hard decisions about protecting needed public services, continuing investments in vital infrastructure and funding the state's public universities and community colleges. Thus, the people will need representatives who are well-informed, diligent and willing to work with their colleagues of both parties to get the job done.

House members also must be mindful of shielding themselves from special interests' influence, which can muffle the voices of the mainstream. Ethics are on the minds of all voters now, following scandals that embarrassed the entire legislature and resulted in the imprisonment of former Democratic House Speaker Jim Black. With those factors in mind, along with our assessment of candidates' backgrounds and positions, The News & Observer today offers its editorial endorsements in House races involving Wake County districts.

District 33

DAN BLUE Incumbent Blue, a Democrat, is a former speaker of the House and a veteran lawmaker with a progressive and enlightened record. He has a keen understanding of how the legislature works, and is respected by his colleagues for his familiarity with a wide range of important issues. A lawyer, Blue is a worthy choice for re-election to this Southeast Raleigh seat.

FIND OUT MORE: Information about Blue can be found at blogs.newsobserver.com/dome under the 'Profiles' tab.

HIS OPPONENT: Find out more about Republican Paul Terrell III at terrellforhouse33.blogspot.com.

District 34

GRIER MARTIN Attorney Martin, representing a district mostly in North Raleigh (and a bit inside the Beltline) is a capable Democratic lawmaker who declined lobbyists' free meals even before reform and has refused the $104-a-day living allowance for legislators even though he could have gotten it. He's a straight shooter with an independent voice, and has well-earned another term.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit Martin's Web site at griermartin.com.

HIS OPPONENT: Find out more about Republican J.H. Ross, who has sought other offices in the past, at jhross.net.

District 35

JENNIFER WEISS Cary's Weiss has made a fast climb on Jones Street, advocating for affordable health care, children, the disabled, responsible growth. Other lawmakers in the delegation often seek her counsel, and they're wise to do so. Democrat Weiss is responsive as well to constituents in her Cary district. She is a model lawmaker, who has learned her post well since taking office in 1999. It's hoped she'll advance to more positions of leadership.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit Weiss's Web site at weissforhouse.com.

HER OPPONENT: Find out more about Republican Eric Weaver at electweaver.com.

District 36

AL SWANSTROM First-time candidate Swanstrom, a Cary Democrat, is a retired IBM executive and telecommunications expert. He'll bring a thoughtful perspective to the legislature. He has worked hard to familiarize himself with transportation and education issues, and vows to be responsive to concerns in this district centered on southern Cary. Swanstrom shows all the signs of being someone who will speak his mind but can work well with the other members of the delegation.

His opponent and the incumbent, Republican Nelson Dollar, is a hard worker but has been too tied to narrow issues involving taxes and spending cuts.