When it comes to lawmaking, most of us watch from the bleachers – if we watch at all – cheering or jeering according to our philosophical leanings. But the job isn’t that simple, especially in unsettled economic times.

On Tuesday, when voters in Idaho’s 3rd Legislative District pick a legislator to replace retiring state Rep. Jim Clark, they should entrust the job to someone with the background and experiences best suited to the complexities that await in Boise.

Four Republicans are on the ballot, but no Democrat filed, meaning the top vote-getter in Tuesday’s primary election will be the winner.

Clark hasn’t endorsed anyone, but his 3rd District colleague, Rep. Phil Hart, is energetically backing Vito Barbieri, of Dalton Gardens, a nonpracticing attorney and former restaurant owner who has identified abortion, which he believes should be outlawed, as a top issue. Barbieri also opposes any tax hike, thinks church-state division has been carried too far and would like to see federal troops on the border.

Hayden city Councilwoman Jeri DeLange is seeking the office for the third time, having lost twice to Clark in Republican primaries. Along with almost a decade’s council experience, she has a strong background in business and community involvement. She emphasizes the need to bring people together around workable solutions.

Rathdrum City Councilman Fred Meckel is pushing job creation. He’s supported an increase in the minimum wage and tax incentives for businesses that create high-wage jobs.

Attorney Duane Rasmussen, from Hayden, who practices law in Washington and Oklahoma, emphasizes public safety and boasts of his role in keeping a prison release center out of his neighborhood.

Out of that field, we think voters should look for someone with hands-on experience, at least at the municipal level. Unbending principles may look good on a campaign website, but in practice they can undermine constructive governance.

In her time on the Hayden council, DeLange has shown a thoughtful approach that produces practical solutions. She’s expressed her views candidly and, on such issues as development, she has demonstrated an understanding that the time to move ahead can depend on whether all the resources are in place. She grasps the importance of fiscal restraint as an enticement to economic development but recognizes the roles played by adequate schools and transportation as well.

In her past legislative races, we’ve noted that DeLange showed promise. Now, as Clark steps down, it should be her time to put it into practice.