Dallas County Judge Jim Foster had scarcely settled into his first term in office before some in his own party began contemplating who might succeed him. The Democrat dubbed the "accidental judge" faced a steep learning curve as he scurried to get up to speed on the complexities of county government.

Despite widespread skepticism about Foster's capabilities, we allowed for the possibility that he could grow into this job.

Unfortunately, he hasn't.

More than three years after ascending to Dallas County's top post, Foster, 66, still seems to have a tenuous grasp on the intricacies of important issues. He struggles to offer detailed strategies going forward. And while Foster generally has been on the right side of the constables controversy, his missteps have at times hindered progress.

Foster faces two aggressive challengers in the March 2 Democratic primary. Fortunately, voters will find a strong alternative in Clay Jenkins.

Jenkins, a lawyer and co-owner of a health services company, has gone to school on county issues and offers thoughtful ideas for improving efficiency, making government more transparent and spurring economic development at the International Inland Port of Dallas. Jenkins, 45, recognizes the importance of identifying new funding sources for transportation projects, and he is well versed on questions about finding regional solutions for North Texas' health care needs.

The depth of Jenkins' knowledge and his approach to leading convince us that he could help build much-needed consensus on the Commissioners Court.

Also running is Larry Duncan, a Dallas County Schools trustee and former Dallas City Council member. Duncan, 64, has a long history of civic involvement, but he has offered relatively few workable ideas for improving county government.

Instead, he's relied mostly on rehashing county schools strategies that don't necessarily translate to the Commissioners Court. Duncan also tends to speak in glittering generalities, emphatically calling for leadership without offering specific plans.

The winner of this primary will face a Republican in the fall. In this three-way Democratic contest, many party leaders have coalesced behind Jenkins. While having the stamp of approval from prominent Democrats is helpful, Jenkins must also demonstrate his independence as a leader. So far, he's shown little inclination to diverge from District Attorney Craig Watkins on key issues.

To his credit, Foster has stood up to Watkins when necessary. But Foster has stumbled onto this strategy more as a matter of political opportunism than a show of independence. Foster's other shortcomings should persuade voters to make him a one-term-and-done judge.

Jenkins would bring energy, new ideas and civility to a county government that has been mired in public relations disasters. With that in mind, Jenkins earns our recommendation.