Coming up

It can be easy to forget that the choices you make on Election Day matter in specific, real-life ways. How much will you pay in taxes? How will schools measure your child’s achievements? How long will American soldiers remain in Iraq?

Starting Sunday, The Spokesman-Review will publish a series of stories examining the major candidates’ positions on seven issues facing the country.

The series, What’s at Stake, will cover the economy and jobs, taxes, health care, the war in Iraq, poverty, education and the environment.

Sunday: The economy – how is the Inland Northwest faring in terms of jobs and income?

Monday: Taxes – how much do we pay, relatively, and how much should we?

Tuesday: Health care – costs are rising, as is the number of people without insurance.

Wednesday: The war in Iraq – what’s the next move?

Thursday: Poverty – how should government help impoverished citizens?

Friday: Education – in testing and funding, the role of government is changing.

Saturday: Environment – what’s the future of timber policy in the Northwest?