The State Senate

The race in the First Senatorial District, in which Republican Senator Kenneth P. LaValle is seeking his 12th term in opposition to John R. Zellner, who is known as Bob, has seen some fireworks despite the power of incumbency. This is due to the energy that the Democratic challenger brings to issues.

Mr. Zellner sits in what is left of the left wing of the Democratic Party and in articulating his beliefs seems to be the only person around who doesn't know his battle is a lost cause.

Senator LaValle is a conservative Republican who has been against some programs we endorse, such as state funding for abortions for poor women under Medicaid, and in favor of some initiatives on which we have taken a cautious stand, such as the consolidation of school districts. While his re-election seems secure, Mr. Zellner deserves praise for bringing important issues, such as whether the state should add gay and lesbian rights to its anti-bias legislation, to the table.