All those weary of the long campaign season can take heart: This thing is in your hands come Tuesday.

The News-Press today recaps its 2008 editorial endorsements published over the last three weeks. These recommendations are based on our research and, in many cases, interviews with the candidates. They reflect solely the views of the editors of the opinion pages.

We offer our endorsements in order to provide readers with additional information and perspectives as they seek to become informed before entering the polling booth. As always, we encourage readers to make up their own minds before voting.

One point of discussion each election cycle is whether the News-Press opinion editors truly are open to endorsing candidates regardless of their political affiliation. We think so, but that is for others to decide. We will note that of the 12 contested races in which we offered an opinion this time around, seven endorsements went to Republicans and five went to Democrats.

Here’s our recap of endorsements:

President and Vice President: John McCain and Sarah Palin, Republicans

“Only Mr. McCain can make a convincing case he is ready to lead our nation in these trying times.”

U.S. House, Missouri’s 6th District: Sam Graves, Republican

“On issue after issue, Rep. Graves has taken stands that square with the views of the majority of his constituents.”

Governor of Missouri: Kenny Hulshof, Republican

“We are convinced of his integrity, quality of his ideas, ability to lead and willingness to forge compromises that will best serve all the residents of the state.”

Lieutenant Governor: Peter Kinder, Republican

“He has been a tenacious advocate for seniors … He also has been a strong supporter of veterans and enlisted military personnel.”

Secretary of State: Robin Carnahan, Democrat

“She has been an effective advocate for fair elections and encouraging more participation in the process.”

State Treasurer: Brad Lager, Republican

“He has called for more fiscal restraint from government and more scrutiny from the treasurer’s office.”

Attorney General: Michael Gibbons, Republican

“His top priorities include establishing a cyber crimes unit,” reducing methamphetamine trafficking, advocacy for victims’ rights and a focus on integrity in the office.

Missouri House, 28th District: Mark Sheehan, Democrat

“He argues convincingly that he would use his newspaper background to advocate for both local and statewide interests.”

Buchanan County, Western District Commissioner: Ron Hook, Democrat

“Mr. Hook has a passion for the county. His No. 1 priority would be increasing the number of miles of hard-surfaced roads.”

Buchanan County, Eastern District Commissioner: Dan Hausman, Republican

“Mr. Hausman sees road and bridge improvements as the county’s top priority, along with efficient use of tax dollars.”

Buchanan County Sheriff: Mike Strong, Democrat

“Sheriff Strong exhibits professionalism and a willingness to be proactive in providing law enforcement protection to the county.”

Buchanan County Assessor: Scot Van Meter, Democrat

Mr. Van Meter “has ably performed the required functions of his office and has plans for making more records accessible to taxpayers over the Internet.”

Amendment 1: “Yes” on making English the official language of all governmental meetings.

We support the language of the amendment even though we believe it is unnecessary.

Amendment 4: “Yes” on making changes to state bond financing of local storm water control projects.

This will allow restarting of a worthwhile loan and grant program.

Proposition A: “Yes” on repealing loss limits at casinos, capping the number of casinos and increasing the gambling tax to fund education.

This will provide more money for schools while improving the competitive climate for Missouri’s existing casinos.

Proposition B: “No” on establishing a Missouri Quality Homecare Council.

This likely will duplicate existing services and increase health care costs for state and private providers.

Proposition C: “Yes” on requiring investor-owned electric utilities to obtain 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2021.

This shift to clean, renewable energy sources has adequate safeguards to protect ratepayers.