The Times Union Editorial Board announced this weekend its endorsements in the general election. In weighing in on the choices, the board wrote that while it considered experience, positions and proposals, a candidate's position on the Women's Equality Act weighed significantly in the paper's decision-making. The Hearst-owned daily affixed its seal of approval to more Democrats than Republicansl. Among the recommendations, the paper chose Democratic challenger Brian Howard over the Republican incumbent state Sen. Kathy Marchione in the 43rd Senate District, calling Howard "the more capable choice." In the hotly contested 46th Senate District, the paper picked incumbent Sen. Cecilia Tkzacyk (KAT-chik) over Republican George Amedore. Calling Tkzacyk a "firm voice for upstate, particularly on agricultural matters," the editors wrote she has "earned a second term." Republican incumbent Steve McLaughlin was one of two Republicans endorsed by the editors. The board called McLaughlin "one of the Assembly's most outspoken minority voices," choosing him over his Democrat challenger, East Greenbush Town Board member Phil Malone. Read the full Times Union editorial.