DN editorial: Our endorsements for the 2016 election

OUR MOST important endorsement is you, going to the polls. In this momentous election, too much is at stake for the country and our future. Here is a summary of our endorsements:

For President: Hillary Clinton's career has progressed through many iterations of public service, starting as a legal advocate for children and families, leading to the world stage as secretary of state. Lifelong public service, her willingness to adapt and learn, her steadfastness through many trials and challenges are the key ingredients of great leadership. They make her our enthusiastic choice for president - and for affirming the values of our democracy.

For Senate: Katie McGinty's credentials, as chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality under President Bill Clinton and secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection under Gov. Ed Rendell, bring much needed depth to environmental issues. We hope her presence in Washington can thaw years of political paralysis.

For Congress: Dwight Evans is a skilled legislative veteran who not only talks the talk about independence, but walks the walk. He's never been unwilling to work with Republicans in Harrisburg when it came to fulfilling mutual goals.

In the 8th District, centered in Bucks County, U.S. Rep. Steve Santarsiero has a far more impressive record than his opponent.

For Attorney General: Josh Shapiro has the background and experience to restore trust and credibility to the office that Kathleen Kane's tenure tore apart.

For Auditor General: Incumbent Eugene DePasquale is the obvious choice for the state's chief fiscal officer. This office is at the front lines of ensuring integrity in government and that taxpayers' money isn't being wasted. DePasquale has proved that a strong auditor's impact can go well beyond the bottom line.

For State Treasurer: We trust Joe Torsella, former CEO of the Constitution Center, with restoring integrity to another disgraced state office that plays an important watchdog role.

State ballot question: "Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to require that justices of the Supreme Court, judges and magisterial district judges be retired on the last day of the calendar year in which they attain the age of 75 years?"

The wording of this question is misleading and deceitful and subject to several lawsuits since it never mentions that the change being sought would add five years to a judge's tenure. The wording should read: "Should the State Constitution be amended to change the mandatory retirement age of judges from 70 to 75 years old?"

Vote: No.