There will be at least 15 new faces in the Legislature next year as term limits take effect. The Journal Star endorses three candidates running in local legislative districts.

* District 21

Neither of the two candidates the Journal Star editorial board thought was best qualified managed to advance to the general election when the votes were tallied in the six-candidate primary race.

Now we find ourselves in the position of picking a candidate who obviously was neither our first or second choice to represent the district.

In the end our endorsement decision came down to a basic question of competence. On that standard the choice is clear-cut.

Ken Haar is the better candidate.

The job of a legislator in Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature is demanding. There’s no second house to sift through bills to fix unintended consequences and ensure that bills actually accomplish what they intend.

Frankly, the editorial board was unimpressed with two separate interviews it conducted with James Arthur Jeffers, a respected businessman who is the other candidate in the field. For example, when questioned on the important issue of road funding, Jeffers suggested that senators pressure Nebraska’s congressional delegation. That’s wildly unrealistic, considering that the Federal Highway Trust Fund already has dipped into the red. Jeffers’ equally unrealistic backup plan was to ask Warren Buffett for money.

The editorial board expects to differ with Haar — perhaps often — if he wins a seat in the Legislature. But Haar could be relied upon to cast an informed and discerning vote. That counts for a lot.

* District 25

Voters in District 25 have the opportunity to mark their ballots for Kathy Campbell, who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in both the public and private sectors

As a member of the Lancaster County Board, Campbell earned a reputation for a hand-on approach to solving problems. She did her homework and worked to build consensus. She chose not to seek reelection in 2003 after 16 years on the board.

Currently executive vice president of the Cedars Home for Children Foundation, Campbell has served recently in capacities on groups dealing with important state issues, including serving as co-chair of the Nebraska Medicaid Reform Council and co-chair of a task force that held hearings across the state on transportation needs and financing.

The background she gained from those activities will help her hit the ground running if she is elected to the Legislature.

Campbell said her priorities as a state senator will include economic development and developing sustainable fiscal strategies. She also plans to work on legislation to ensure the safety of abused and neglected children and wants to expand opportunities for private organizations to get involved in foster care.

If past is a predictor of future success, Campbell has one of the best track records of anyone running for Legislature. The Journal Star editorial board recommends a vote for Campbell without reservation.

* District 29

In two sessions after being appointed to the Legislature Sen. Tony Fulton already has registered significant accomplishments.

Educated as a mechanical engineer, Fulton approaches legislative tasks with methodical thoroughness. He researches carefully and presents arguments persuasively during legislative debate.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Fulton had a role in fashioning spending plans that allowed the biggest tax cut in the state’s history, as well as the largest cash reserve. Of special note is the role Fulton played in winning a deservedly large increase in funding for the University of Nebraska than proposed by Gov. Dave Heineman.

Also commendable is the bill Fulton shepherded to passage that requires people convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol to use alcohol interlock devices that prevent cars from starting if the driver has been drinking.

Fulton, who founded and operates Guardian Angels Homecare, a business that cares for elderly Nebraskans, has a working knowledge of the need for government policies that nurture and support entrepreneurship and economic development.

The Journal Star editorial board believes that Fulton, who faces challenger Susan Scott, has considerable potential to become an even more productive senator if re-elected to his first full term.