There are many important races in the Aug. 3 primary election that will decide which candidates advance to the November ballot.

A number of primary races, however, take on added importance because the winner of the primary won’t face major-party opposition in the general election. The Republican primary for the 45th Kansas House District, which covers a large part of Lawrence, is one of those races.

Republicans will have the opportunity to choose between political newcomer Keith Noe, of Lecompton, and Rep. Tom Sloan, a Lawrence resident who has represented the 45th District for 10 years. The Journal-World believes Sloan deserves to be returned to office.

Sloan’s voting record and Noe’s campaign materials indicate this is one of several Republican legislative primaries that involve candidates who represent the moderate and conservative factions of the party. These races tend to focus on divisive social issues and ignore other state responsibilities such as education and the state’s economic future.

Sloan’s moderate voting record has served Lawrence and the state well. He has been a strong supporter of adequate state funding for education, both K-12 and higher education. He is chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, which is a key concern for Lawrence.

Sloan also has taken a leading role on the House Utilities Committee, where he has been instrumental in promoting access to broadband technology for schools and hospitals in rural Kansas. He also is involved on the national level with expansion of wind energy and other renewable energy sources.

Sloan’s experience and tenure in the Kansas House are important to Lawrence, and his moderate record reflects the philosophy of many local Republicans. Who turns out to vote on Tuesday may be a big factor in this race. Sloan has a proven record as a strong representative for Lawrence and has earned another term in office.