TERM LIMITS SWEEP OUT much of the state Assembly this year, a fact that must be cheering to anyone who instinctively dislikes politicians. But there's not much to cheer about. After six years, state legislators are just beginning to become effective on the public's behalf. Then they're gone, replaced by a new crop of novices who have to start from scratch.

And because the political parties draw the lines and keep their districts safe, there isn't much of a debate about the new guys. The June 6 primary is the real election, with November's general election little more than a formality. There's little to be done about it but to make your choices carefully and to hold your representatives to account once they take office.

Yet voters can hardly be blamed for not knowing who represents them in the Assembly. Districts take bizarre shapes, and in news reports and official publications, each representative is often associated with a community chosen for no apparent good reason. Assemblywoman Karen Bass, for example, is routinely described as a Democrat from Baldwin Vista. Where? You'd have to be a real local to know where to find Baldwin Vista, and besides, the designation gives voters in Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Leimert Park and parts of Century City and Culver City no clue that Bass is their representative. If you're unsure of your district, check your sample ballot or go to http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html .

The Times endorses selectively. We look for candidates ready to work in a bipartisan spirit, willing to release their parties' stranglehold on districting and able to work fast as well as smart. In the last six weeks we have announced our choices for several statewide and local offices, including four crucial Assembly districts as well as two ballot propositions. Here are our Democratic primary endorsements in four more key Assembly districts. The Times will publish a summary of these and previous endorsements on Sunday and again on Election Day.

District 45: Elena Popp is bright, plain-spoken, accomplished and the most independent of the five Democrats vying to replace Jackie Goldberg, who is termed out. This district ranges from Hollywood and Echo Park east to Mount Washington and El Sereno. A tenants' rights lawyer, she has a record of transcending parochial interests and crafting pragmatic solutions to community problems. Popp, a native of Mexico, grew up in the district and knows its needs.

Kevin DeLeon, with close ties to the California Teachers Assn. and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles), is well funded and broadly endorsed but would have to work hard to carve an independent path. Christine Chavez is enthusiastically backed by Hollywood stars and others who remember her legendary grandfather, labor leader Cesar Chavez, but pedigree is not enough. Gabriel Buelna is impressive, although not ready for the Assembly.