We suggest . . .

LITTLE ROCK — NOW, DON'T forget, Informed Voter, that Tuesday is the primary.

We know, we know. Trust us, we know. We also thought we'd already voted in the primary. Months ago, even. Didn't Mike Huckabee and Hillary Clinton win that thing already? We will sheepishly admit that a volunteer for a local candidate called us several months back and had to inform us-inky wretches! who live for politics!-that the presidential primary had been moved up by the powers-that-be, but the other candidates for spots in the Ledge and the courts and sheriffs' offices, etc., were still scheduled for May 20th.

Which is Tuesday.

We've interviewed several of the candidates. And we recommend . . . .

Ann Clemmer in the Republican primary for state representative from House District 29 because she's got the education, determination and knowledge to further both the state's economic development and educational progress. She not only teaches political science at UALR but has practiced it for years in pursuit of a working two-party system, fair taxes and better, more accountable schools for all.

For Darrin Williams in the Democratic race for House District 36. Mr. Williams has the education-Vanderbilt, Georgetown and Little Rock's Central High-and the background in politics-he's worked for David Pryor & Son-to make a fast difference in the Ledge. Even better, Darrin Williams seems to understand what it'll take to craft good policy and enact it into law. The Ledge could use a few dozen more folks like him.

John Edwards in the Democratic primary for state representative from House District 38 because he's got experience in agriculture (he was a special rep when David Pryor was in the U.S. Senate), in the law (he's a lawyer in private practice), in rural development(that was his field when he served in the Clinton administration), and in the military (he's a colonel, spent a year in Iraq with the national guard, and won the Bronze Star).

On the Republican side in House District 38, we endorse Kelly Eichler, because of her experience as well. She's served as a special judge, as a former senior adviser to a governor named Huckabee, on the state's Board of Corrections and even as a PTA president. The Ledge needs all the PTA presidents it can get.

For Rita Gruber for the state Court of Appeals, District 6, because of her long and outstanding record as a circuit judge in Pulaski and Perry Counties. Her experience as an administrator, and the reforms she's made and wants to make in juvenile justice, are additional reasons for electing her to the appellate bench. So is the unjudicial temperament of her opponent, the incumbent, who can't seem to keep from delivering politically impassioned speeches that undermine public confidence in the impartiality of the court.

For Mary Ann McGowan in the race for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Perry and Pulaski Counties. She has the experience on the bench-18 years-meaning the voters know what they're getting: a good, veteran judge. Also, because Judge McGowan presides over the largest and oldest drug court in Arkansas and because she has a record of doing what judges must do best-make the right decision when it counts.

Mark Leverett or Gary Sullivan in Little Rock's environmental court, because we just can't seem to make up our minds about who would be better in the job. Both gentlemen have the experience and seriousness needed in a judge, and both seem determined to make Little Rock a cleaner city-which would help reduce the crime rate. (It's happened elsewhere.) Little Rock's voters would do well to choose either in this nonpartisan judicial race.