We here in Senator Craig’s office feel that bloggers can be an important and effective means of communicating with Idahoans. We plan to deal with bloggers as we do with TV, radio, and newspaper reporters: on an individual basis. Our relationship with Dave Oliveria, as with other reporters around the region, is based on trust and understanding. We know that we may not always agree with Dave, and we know that he’ll give us a jab or two when he sees fit. But we know that Dave is interested in the truth and will tell a complete story to his readers.

As bloggers, you can expect to be treated just as we treat other reporters in “traditional” media. If you call or e-mail us with questions or looking for opinions, we will do our best to answer you in a timely and accurate manner. When reporters call us to engage in rumor-mongering or speculation, we decline to talk to them, no matter who they work for. If they have an axe to grind, and pick and choose what they want to tell their readers and tell just one side of the tale, we don’t have a lot of patience for that. I don’t think we’re too unique in that sentiment, though.

We look forward to working with you folks, and hope the feeling is mutual. Thanks for your time.

Sidney C. Smith
Deputy Press Secretary
Idaho Senator Larry E. Craig
(202) 224-2752

DFO: Now, if I could only get the rest of the Idaho delegation to cooperate like Larry's does in providing links and answering bloggers phone calls ...

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