In some ways, the contenders to represent Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District seem more alike than different. They’re both intelligent, affable family men, both military veterans and both experienced politicians. But only one is deeply rooted in the social and economic values that are the bedrock of Hawaii’s inclusive, multicultural society. That is why our choice in this race is Democrat Mark Takai.

The longtime state lawmaker is keenly aware of the issues that have long mattered most to voters in Hawaii, and is committed to preserving and advancing these progressive causes, including supporting Social Security, Medicare, universal health coverage, women’s reproductive rights and marriage equality. The lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii National Guard and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom is no dove when it comes to national defense and advocates for military outposts and activities in Hawaii. Still, more so than his opponent, Takai also seems willing to heed community concerns when that presence becomes overbearing.

Republican Charles Djou is generally a centrist who makes a solid case that electing him would give Hawaii a place at the table in the GOP-controlled House. But the truth is that chamber is so bitterly partisan that a moderate Republican is just as likely as a Democrat to be ignored. Djou’s intelligence and energetic commitment make this endorsement a tough call, but ultimately we believe that this district’s voters and the state as a whole will benefit more by hewing to core community and political values, rather than making a strategic choice designed to capitalize on whatever party is in power at the moment.

While Djou describes himself as a pragmatist, not an idealogue, there’s little doubt that the GOPcongressmen running the table he’d be sitting at if elected are idealogues bent on undermining programs and policies dear to many Hawaii residents. Djou, a former state lawmaker and Honolulu City Councilman who held the 1st Congressional seat in 2010-11, seems to downplay the pressure he would be under to toe that national GOPparty line.

In the end, we need to send someone to Washington who will help win Hawaii an innovation waiver from unnecessary provisions of the Affordable Care Act, for example, not be under constant pressure from his own party, the ruling party, to try to dismantle the law altogether. The person to send is Takai.

For 20 years as a state lawmaker, Takai has reliably addressed the needs of his Aiea constituents and reflected the essential values of his Democratic party. We expect that he will bring that same earnest effort to representing the broader urban Oahu 1st Congressional District and integrate seamlessly as the newest member of Hawaii’s unified congressional delegation.

» U.S. House, 2nd Congressional District: In this race, the choice is far more obvious. Incumbent Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat, deserves a second term, having represented her rural Oahu and neighbor island constituents with energy, focus and conviction. Gabbard, vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, also has a growing national reputation that is beneficial to our state. Her challengers are Republican Kawika Crowley, a handyman and advertising consultant who describes himself as a free-market conservative, and Libertarian Joe Kent, who wants government to hold less power over the lives of ordinary citizens.

» U.S. Senate: Similarly, the choice for this office is clear-cut. BrianSchatz, a Democrat, has broader and more current experience than his Republican opponent, businessman and former state representative Cam Cavasso, and Libertarian candidate Michael Kokoski. Schatz, the former state lawmaker and lieutenant governor, is seeking to fill out the last two years of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye’s term, after being named by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to fill the immediate vacancy. In a short time, Schatz has proven to be an assertive, intelligent advocate for Hawaii, showing commitment to clean energy, tourism promotion and other core Hawaii policy goals.

Every vote counts, as was vividly illustrated during the primary election, when the incumbent Schatz barely edged out challenger Colleen Hanabusa; the 1st Congressional seat came open when U.S. Rep. Hanabusa chose to run for Senate. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s poll shows that the race between Takai and Djou is just as close, a virtual tie. Cast your ballot and make a difference.