Dang: I'm wondering if some of your (endorsement)picks have, in the past, tainted a relationship with a future pol whom you predicted to lose or said un-glowing things about in your recommendations? Or is it true that a pol will suck up to the press no matter what you think of him! :)

DFO: In a relatively small community like ours, the pols aren't as sophisticated. During his endorsement interview, Post Falls Councilman Joe Bodman brought up a somewhat unflattering description I'd written about him -- eight years ago! Buell Hollister wouldn't speak to me for years after the SR endorsed incumbent opponent Hilde Kellogg in a legislative race. I try to be candid in my endorsement editorials. But I find myself pulling my punches a little more as I age in this job. It isn't fun running into someone in the grocery store whom you didn't endorse. On the other hand, that's why they pay me the big bucks (I wished).

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