WASHINGTON — Just as Mitt Romney and other Republicans had cut into the Democrats’ advantage with female voters, a tea party-backed Senate candidate’s awkward remark — that if rape leads to pregnancy it’s “something God intended” — has propelled the emotional issue of abortion back to the political forefront. It’s put GOP candidates in tight races, from the presidential candidate on down, on the defensive.

This is the second of two-part coverage of the mayoral and assembly candidate question and answer forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Sept. 27 as part of its weekly lunch lecture series.

Assembly candidate Dixie Hood, running for the District 2 seat against Jerry Nankervis, had not yet filed for her candidacy at the time of the Chamber’s forum. However, Ms. Hood’s candidate profile will be posted on our website tomorrow.

Q: How have you worked with neighboring SE communities during your time in Juneau?

Storytime and crafts, 11 a.m., Mendenhall Valley library. Details: 586-0434.

Juneau School District Indian Studies Program Parent Advisory Committee Board, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., UAS Bill Ray Center. All parents of school-aged children are welcome and encouraged to attend. Free. Details: 523-1737.

Organ concert, noon, State Office Building.

The great thing about our municipal races is that in no race is there a terrible candidate. All who are running are seeking thankless jobs. In these tough times the winners will be called upon to make unpopular decisions. All volunteered to stand up to the highest scrutiny and to work for Juneau’s best interests.

With that disclaimer, the Juneau Empire’s Editorial Board feels it is picking the “best of the best” in making the endorsements below:

• Borough Mayor: Merrill Sanford