Every election for public officeholders is an important event, whether for a school board position, county commission, state or national office.

The outcome of those elections can have important and significant consequences.

The Journal-World believes next Tuesday’s elections are particularly important because of the role those elected to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives can play during the Obama presidency.

Those elected to national offices have the opportunity to support or oppose the policies or edicts of the president. Obama has said he is intent on making “fundamental changes” in our country and he has followed through in his commitment with massive changes that affect millions of Americans and their lifestyles. His administration also has created a record debt that will negatively affect future generations.

In most elections, citizens are urged to judge each candidate on his or her own credentials, not on whether they are seeking office as a Democrat, Republican or independent.

In this election, however, due to Obama’s extremely serious and damaging actions and policies, it is the opinion of the Journal-World that it is in the best interest of the country to vote against any candidates who would strengthen and enhance the Obama agenda. This includes not only candidates for national office, but also key positions in state government that can sway national policies.

The next two years are critical for the United States. If Obama is able to jam through more damaging legislation and place more individuals in his hip pocket by providing federal funds and/or assistance in one form or another, he increases the chances for his re-election in 2012. That would be a disaster for the United States.

The Journal-World urges the election of Rep. Jerry Moran to the U.S. Senate. Moran has represented Kansas well during his tenure in the House and has earned election to the Senate on his personal merit; the fact that he is a Republican only makes him a more attractive candidate in this election. The Journal-World also urges the election of Republican Kevin Yoder to the U.S. House to provide another GOP voice in that chamber, and also retaining the Republican voice of Rep. Lynn Jenkins.

Both these individuals are honest, smart and knowledgeable and will do a good job in representing the wishes of the majority of Kansans.

The Journal-World also endorses Sam Brownback for governor. As governor, Brownback, who is stepping down as a U.S. senator, can also play a part in opposing the dangerous policies of the Obama administration.

The state’s attorney general likewise has influence in helping or hindering a president’s agenda. The Journal-World likes both candidates for this position, Democrat Steve Six and Republican Derek Schmidt. Six is a native of Lawrence and son of Fred Six, a distinguished former judge of the Kansas Supreme Court. Schmidt, of Independence, is recognized as a leading member of the Kansas Senate. Both men have compiled good records but Six, as a Democrat, may be more inclined to support Obama.

There will be those who say this approach to endorsing candidates is wrong and arbitrary, and maybe they’re correct. However, this country cannot afford a second term for Obama. His efforts during the next two years, during which he could force whatever he wants down the throat of the country, mislead citizens, weaken the nation and take away guaranteed freedoms, must be stunted.

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There are, of course, other election races on local ballots.

The Journal-World favors the re-election of Rep. Tom Sloan to the Kansas House. He has served his constituents and the state well.

And the question of whether to approve a tax increase to pay for a public library expansion has generated considerable interest.

A good library is an important asset for a community, and Lawrence should have a good, up-to-date library. However, there is reason to question the timing of this project, the location, the use of funds, and whether other interests have played a role in this effort.

The Journal-World has always supported library efforts, but in this case does not favor the particular proposal and the tax hike to finance it.

Be sure to vote!