CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia's 4th Senate District includes Jackson County and segments of Putnam, Mason and Roane. Candidates for the district's Senate seat are Democrat Mike Bright, a retired state trooper who is Jackson's sheriff, and Republican Mitch Carmichael, a six-term member of the House of Delegates.

In early voting that starts Wednesday, and in the Nov. 6 election, we hope voters choose Bright, who voiced intelligent, progressive views during an interview with Statehouse columnist Phil Kabler. He's well qualified.