The General Assembly's upper chamber has for many years now been controlled by Democrats, first among them Marc Basnight of Manteo, the state Senate's president pro tem. In many ways, Basnight has advanced progressive legislation, particularly in the area of education, and he's supported open government, also good. But it's difficult for members of the minority party to feel that their voices are heard, and Democrats well understand that legislation can stand or fall on Basnight's say-so.

With that kind of structure in place, the public interest calls for strong, independent voices in the chamber, people who will not hesitate to speak out and at the same time who can be practical about getting things done. The challenges are many: Legislators who will be elected Nov. 4 will deal with budget shortfalls, education needs and fixing the mental health system. Today, we offer editorial endorsements in four state Senate races of interest to our readers.

District 14

3 VERNON MALONE This district covers eastern and northeastern Wake County and has been represented since 2003 by Vernon Malone, 76, a veteran local official and educator. Democrat Malone is a reliable supporter of the public schools and through seniority has risen through the ranks to some leadership positions. He has The News & Observer's endorsement for a fourth term.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.votesmart.org and look under 'Biographical information.'

HIS OPPONENT: Find out more about Republican Carol Bennett at www.votesmart.org. Look under 'Biographical information.'

District 15

3 NEAL HUNT A Republican incumbent seeking his third two-year term in this district covering middle and northwestern Wake, Hunt, 66, tends to vote with his party, which is in the minority and thus not granted much input by the Senate leadership. He is a fiscal conservative who also prides himself on demonstrating concern for the environment. His business career has been in property development and management.

During a stint on the Raleigh City Council, Hunt was known as someone who could seek common ground with those whose basic ideas were different from his own. He favors open government, and more public debate of issues that come before legislators, which would be helpful.

Hunt's opponents are Democrat Chris Mintz and Libertarian Jan MacKay. Our endorsement goes to Hunt in view of his record of service.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit Hunt's Web site at nealhunt.com.

HIS OPPONENT: Find out more about Mintz at chrismintz.com and about MacKay at grassroots.us.mackayforsenate.com.

District 16

3 JOHN ALEXANDER Republican John Alexander and Democrat Josh Stein both are highly qualified to serve a district covering western Wake, including western parts of Raleigh. Alexander, 58, is president of a family business -- Cardinal International Trucks and Raleigh Truck Leasing -- and has a long record of public service, perhaps most notably on behalf of the YMCA. (The Hillsborough Street Y is named for his family.) He also has served on boards with big agendas such as the North Carolina Railroad; he appears to have a well-developed grasp of transportation issues, which are of critical importance to the capital region. He has been involved with PTAs and with Wake Technical Community College.

Stein, 42, has been the top lawyer for the state attorney general with regard to consumer protection. Like Alexander, he's been active in worthwhile school and civic affairs. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he's a well-spoken advocate for progressive ideas to improve education, health care and transportation, and has political experience at a variety of levels, including some time as a deputy chief of staff for former U.S. Senator John Edwards. There's no doubt he would serve capably if elected.

Our endorsement goes to Alexander, in the belief that his deep civic roots, business background and well-informed policy views would make him an especially valuable member of the Wake legislative delegation.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit Alexander's Web site at www.alexanderncsenate.com.

HIS OPPONENT: Find out more about Stein at joshstein.org.

District 17

3 RICHARD STEVENS This southern and western Wake district has been represented for three terms by Republican Richard Stevens. A former Wake County manager, Stevens, 59, brings considerable experience in municipal government -- valuable at a time when North Carolina is continuing its pattern of becoming more urbanized.

Though he has not often strayed from solidarity with his party colleagues on major issues and seems to have become more conservative during his tenure, Stevens has earned the respect of Democratic leaders for his intelligence and expertise on budget matters. With the state facing a shortfall and the condition of national financial markets being unsteady, that's good knowledge to have on either side of the partisan aisle. He receives The N&O's endorsement for the fourth time.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit Stevens' Web site at stevensfornc.com.

HIS OPPONENT: Find out more about Libertarian Brian Irving at libertypoint.org.

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