The Times's Picks for New York State Senate The corrupting culture of New York's Legislature makes it tempting to want to throw out the incumbents. But there are lawmakers who deserve to return to Albany, especially those who have voted courageously on controversial issues in the face of pressure from political leaders or lobbyists. Here are our endorsements in five important State Senate races. In three cases, we are recommending candidates who took heroic stands to approve same-sex marriage and were then savaged by ultraconservatives. STATE SENATE DISTRICT 41 (parts of Dutchess and Putnam Counties) State Senator Stephen Saland, a Republican who has been in the Legislature for 32 years, distinguished himself by standing up against his party for the right of gay couples to marry. Gov. Andrew Cuomo endorsed Mr. Saland, saying his vote on that issue was a "test of character." In this tight race a Conservative Party candidate, Neil Di Carlo, could draw votes from Senator Saland. The Democratic candidate, Terry Gipson, is a progressive businessman who shows promise. But we endorse Mr. Saland for his steadfastness when it counted. STATE SENATE DISTRICT 60 (parts of Erie County and Buffalo) For much the same reason, we recommend State Senator Mark Grisanti, a Republican from the Buffalo area. While he holds conservative views on many issues, when it counted, he voted for the right to marry, and he has been attacked for it. His Democratic opponent, Michael Amodeo, would support a larger budget for education and real campaign finance reform, but Mr. Grisanti deserves this win, this time. STATE SENATE DISTRICT 15 (parts of Queens) State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., a Democrat, also voted for marriage equality in 2011, and he is now in a close race with New York City Councilman Eric Ulrich, a Republican who is opposed to abortion choice and same-sex marriage. Mr. Addabbo is a cautious legislator who supports women's rights and works diligently for his constituents. He is by far the better candidate in this race. STATE SENATE DISTRICT 37 (parts of Westchester County) In this open seat, Bob Cohen, a Republican businessman, is running against Assemblyman George Latimer, a Democrat. In 2010, we endorsed Mr. Cohen as a thoughtful and moderate alternative in a race against State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, who is retiring. In this contest, however, Mr. Latimer is the stronger candidate. He has earned respect from lawmakers in both political parties. In Albany, he rejected the 2 percent property tax cap until lawmakers agreed to cut expensive legislative mandates that stress local community budgets. And unlike most of his fellow legislators, he voted against a warped redistricting plan designed to protect incumbents. We endorse George Latimer. STATE SENATE DISTRICT 40 (parts of Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties) Voters in this Hudson Valley district have a real chance to make a difference. They can oust the incumbent, State Senator Greg Ball, a pro-gun, anti-women's rights Republican who can't seem to work well with others, even some in his own party. And they can vote in Justin Wagner, a lawyer and Democratic district party leader in Cortlandt. As a volunteer community organizer, he worked in 2009 to help homeowners in Brooklyn fight foreclosure proceedings. In Albany, Mr. Wagner promises to fight for real campaign finance reform, more tax breaks for smaller businesses and a minimum-wage increase. We endorse Justin Wagner.