On Saturday the Post’s editorial board offered its seal of approval to candidates for the various D.C. Council seats in the coming April 3 primary—and in three of the races, it came out against the incumbents.

In the At-Large race, the Post opted against Councilmember Vincent Orange and instead sided with challenger Sekou Biddle, pictured at right. In the endorsement, the Post cited Biddle’s ability to bring “thoughtful, nuanced approach to the complex issues facing the city” while decrying Orange as “too much a creature of the old way of city governing.” (Some $26,000 in funds raised by Orange for his 2010 special election victory are now under investigation by the city.)

In Ward 7, the Post came out in support of Tom Brown in the Democratic race against Councilmember Yvette Alexander and for Ron Moten in the Republican race, while in Ward 8 it lent its support to Jacque Patterson in his challenger to Councilmember Marion Barry.

In wards 2 and 4, the Post endorsed the incumbents, but that Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) got the paper’s support isn’t surprising—he’s running unopposed, after all. Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) was called “smart, hardworking and independent-minded” by the Post, and given the nod of support over her five rivals.

How much does any of this matter? It’s tough to say. The Post’s endorsements in recent years haven’t tracked well with how the candidates fare in the election—it’s worth noting that in 2010 the Post endorsed Orange over D.C. Council Chair Kwame Brown, and in the 2011 special election it went for Pat Mara over Orange. In neither case did their anointed candidate win. Still, Biddle will certainly enjoy the paper’s support, especially as he fights fellow challenger Peter Shapiro for the votes to depose Orange. It’s generally thought that the Post’s endorsement is worth most in Ward 3, where turnout is generally high.

On the flip side, not being endorsed by the Post can often be sold as a good thing. Orange, Alexander and Barry will likely use the fact to claim that they’re independent from the “establishment” and should be kept in office.