This election, The Daily recommends voting for Dow Constantine for King County executive.

The hotly contested race hosts two dynamic, distinct candidates — though you’d never know it from glancing at the ballot.

All King County offices are nonpartisan, and though County Councilmember Constantine has been aligned with the Democratic Party for years, his opponent, former KIRO-TV anchor Susan Hutchison, shirks any party title.

In a county where issues like transportation and housing seem nonpartisan, it may be odd to put so much emphasis on this topic. However, Hutchison’s campaign-donation records are seeped in Republican red — her finances have amped the campaigns of Mike Huckabee, Dino Rossi and Mainstream Republicans of Washington. It doesn’t take a genius to guess where her politics lie. Students should know what values influence a politician, as this will always affect how they make decisions. Hutchison has served on the board of the Discovery Institute, a conservative think tank advocating the teaching of “intelligent design” (read: creationism).

Until recently, Hutchison was also vague on the issues dominating this election, while Constantine remains consistent on his views. He has long opposed expanding a gravel mine on Maury Island, an action Hutchison supports. With regard to the environment, Constantine has plans to cut carbon emissions by improving urban transit and supports expanding the light rail to the Eastside. Hutchison opposes the measure to bring the light rail to the Eastside. And, though both candidates support a measure to increase Metro fares by 25 cents in 2010, Hutchison won’t comment on the issue beyond that year.

This proves that Hutchison can’t think ahead to the future needs of our community.

For King County’s voters, this race should boil down to a question of experience. Hutchison has never held political office and now seeks to rule as King County’s highest-elected official. Constantine served two city-council terms and also served in the Legislature. So today, vote for someone with experience. Vote for Dow Constantine for King County executive.

This is the opinion of the The Daily’s editorial board: Editor-in-Chief Casey Smith, Production Director Colleen Kirsten, Opinion Editor Allen Wagner, Lifestyles Editor Rachel Solomon, and Sports Editor Christian Caple. This is The Daily’s final recommendation.

Today is the last day to turn in your ballot. Don’t forget to submit it to the proper authorities in time.