... that Sandy Patano, U.S. Sen. Larry Craig's state director, made a plea for Kootenai County Republicans to stand by the senator who has done good for them for so long. In the comments section, "Spin" posts:" Sandy Patano was in the unenviable position of having to defend her boss, her friend. Out of respect for her no comments were made, no discussion was held. More than one person was thinking that she may be seriously damaging her own political future if she clings to Craig's sinking ship much longer. But there was no overwhelming show of support for Senator Craig. Polite is an apt description." Bjorn, another who was in attendance, described the local R's as more upbeat toward the embattled senator: " I was there, and the precinct captains gave a hearty round of applause to the Craig staffer who gave a speech about 'supporting the man who supported all of you.'" Spencer was also there: "I just listened to (Sandy Patano) try to tell us that we should not rush to judgment, but I think few Republicans here at the central committee think her spiel is credible. I might be wrong, but I don’t think I am, just based on the looks around the room." If you lose a crowd like the diehard Kootenai County Republicans, you're done ...

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