Huckleberries Online

Harwood’s Emissions Repeal Fails

Posted by DFO

Feb. 12, 2009 2:06 p.m. • 64 comments

Rep. Dick Harwood, R-St. Maries, failed to persuade the House Environment Committee this afternoon to introduce his bill to repeal last year’s much-negotiated, long-sought air quality vehicle emissions testing bill. The panel voted 6-5 to return the bill to its sponsor rather than introduce it. Harwood told the panel, “What this emission does is got the DEQ chasing the tail. … Our emissions have been going down since the mid-‘70s, down, down, down.” He said he feared the vehicle testing program would spread to North Idaho, because last year’s bill applies statewide to areas where vehicle emissions hit certain levels/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

Question: Who’s the poorer North Idaho legislator — Dick Harwood of St. Maries or Bob Nonini of Post Falls?

64 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

thomg57 on February 12 at 2:19 p.m.
I can only pick one?
Sisyphus on February 12 at 2:29 p.m.
Holy moly, like we wanna talk about Harwood’s emissions.

Poorer? Is that why they got into politics, the money? Maybe we should raise legislator pay if this is the best we can do.
toadman on February 12 at 2:31 p.m.
“Our emissions have been going down since the mid-‘70s,” Harwood told the panel, “But since they built a Taco Time nearby, I suspect an upsurge soon.”
Joker on February 12 at 2:44 p.m.
Hey Thom, you nicely avoided my question: Why can’t the Dems beat these turkeys.

What’s going on with the Dems in Idaho? Why are they so inept? Is it lack of intelligence, lack of vision, lack of organization?

It seems like the Dems are riding the little yellow school bus and they keep getting beat by inferior opponents. Why do the Dems in Idaho repeatedly lose?

How in the world does Dick Harwood outsmart the Dems?
thawtfulreader on February 12 at 2:57 p.m.
“How in the world does Dick Harwood outsmart the Dems?”

Probably because at least half of the voters in Harwood’s district wouldn’t vote for a Democrat even if you put a gun to their head, and the Republican candidate was a convicted child-molester.
Arpie on February 12 at 2:59 p.m.
It failed on a 6-5 vote. There is more than one knucklehead down there.

Joker, you have asked a question I’ve been pondering for 25 years. I have no answer. There have been some great demos in office, but I can’t point to any one thing they have in common besides common sense.
Sisyphus on February 12 at 3:05 p.m.
Well Batma…, joke…, Dave. Its cause those particular constituents haven’t yet been blessed with the beneficence of this blog and its big hairy granola eating volvo driving liberal bent. All they get is Harwood’s emissions. Besides the model for Democrats in St. Maries is a red nosed garrulous native hating commissioner who supported Sali’s campaign so some of those folks is a might confused. I mean look at what they have for an editorial writer.
Joker on February 12 at 3:07 p.m.
One thing is for certain. The Dems are clueless. Just take a look at who runs for office on the Democratic ticket. Who picks these people?

If the Dems really care about changing things here, they better think about changing themselves. If University of Florida goes 7-5, the fans start rumbing, if they go 1-11, they’re rioting in the streets and the coach would be fired.

The Dems have been going 1-11 in Idaho for years. Why does anybody associated with the Democratic party in North Idaho still have a job, much less a say in who goes on the ballot.
Joker on February 12 at 3:19 p.m.
Sis,

I don’t buy the position that people only get one point of view from the local paper therefore they won’t vote for a Democratic.

It’s all about having a good candidate. John Kerry couldn’t beat Bush because John Kerry was a terrible candidate.

Obama beat McCain cause he was the better candidate. Politics isn’t that hard folks unless you’re a Democrat, then it’s astrophysics.
Sisyphus on February 12 at 3:34 p.m.
Well then you’re hopelessly naive then. People who are only exposed to one side through rote or habit are not inclined to embrace new ideas from unfamiliar sources. Its part of the echo chamber that Murdoch has been striving to create and why those outlets all freak at the mention of the fairness doctrine.

You fire everyone, who’s left to turn the lights on and answer the phone. Absolutley a key is a good candidate. No one ran against Nowini and CJ Rose ran a good race in a hard district with little organization or resources to fall back on. Think of it like pulling your a$$ out of a deflationary economy, that’s the difficulty of Democrats in running a statewide campaign.
GaryIngram on February 12 at 3:41 p.m.
Geeze DFO, I hate to do this to you…..But I ask you, When did you stop beating your wife???
thomg57 on February 12 at 3:44 p.m.
Obama beat McCain cause he was the better candidate.-Joker

And Obama LOST Kootenai County by more than 16,000 votes. So are you saying he is a better candidate nationwide but a poor candidate in North Idaho? Joker, you are either hopelessly naive, or intentionally ignorant of reality.
thomg57 on February 12 at 3:46 p.m.
And Joker, your football analogy completely missed the boat. Keep trying.
DFO on February 12 at 3:47 p.m.
>Well Batma…, joke…, Dave — Sisyphus<

Sisyphus; I’m off my game today. I didn’t realize you were out fishing for the identity of The Joker. So I’ll put your mind at ease and give you the only hint that I will re: The Joker. I’m not The Joker. I don’t have the time to be The Joker. Nor do I play that kind of game here. Never have. From the looks of The Joker’s posts today, s/he is keeping the focus on issues rather than personalities. Which is totally copasetic. Mebbe I should switch my avatar to avoid further confusion. I have a great shot of a well-known cda press columnist in Margaritaville/Las Vegas get-up that would make a good replacement.
Cabbage Boy on February 12 at 3:50 p.m.
“And Obama LOST Kootenai County by more than 16,000 votes. So are you saying he is a better candidate nationwide but a poor candidate in North Idaho?”

Well Thom, let me say, you are the chair of the Koot. Co. Dems. Does that answer any questions?
Sisyphus on February 12 at 3:51 p.m.
You are such tease.
Joker on February 12 at 3:51 p.m.
Ah, sis you don’t need anybody to turn off the lights. The Dems are already in the dark.

CJ Rose? Wasn’t she the lesbian lumberjack lady with no political experience? She ran a good campaign? No she didn’t she lost, and it wasn’t even close.

Who picked her? Why didn’t she have resources. Where is the organization support? Why is there no money?

Nonini? Ran unopposed. Why? Who ever made that decision should be FIRED!

Yes, Thom: Obama won the national election because he was the better candidate. He got slaughtered in Kootenai County part because the Dems have been operating a terrible operation in North Idaho for years. It’s time to clean house and get rid of the losers, dimwits and dingdogs and get some really smart savvy folks to start winning elections.
Joker on February 12 at 3:54 p.m.
I didn’t realize ThomG was the chair. No wonder he won’t answer my questions. He’d have to fire himself. Sorry dude. It’s all becoming clear as to why Dems have no political power in Norhh Idaho.
Joker on February 12 at 4:04 p.m.
How does one become chair of the Kootenai County Democrats?

I can swing by the local high school and find five kids in a government class who can run a better political organization than what currently is place.

Thom, you don’t get the football analogy. Fine. Try this: In the last four years, add up the number Democrats who have won elections in Kootenai County versus the Republicans and you should get it.

It’s not right ring radio fault. It’s not Fox news fault. It’s not conservative papers’ fault. Blame them all you want, but smart people figure out how to overcome obstacles. Nobody said life is fair, or easy.
thomg57 on February 12 at 4:22 p.m.
Joker, I get the football analogy, it just sucks.
thomg57 on February 12 at 4:22 p.m.
Well Thom, let me say, you are the chair of the Koot. Co. Dems. Does that answer any questions?

No, actually it doesn’t. Why not make your point clearly and directly?
Sisyphus on February 12 at 4:24 p.m.
Very interesting that Joker is hitting Dave’s theme today pretty hard. That’s some pretty put up or shut material you have there Joker. Its hard to get fired from a demanding job that doesn’t pay. Judging from your sniping from that luxurious seat you must not be in Idaho. Really what’s your basis of knowledge? I do agree with your last two sentences though.
thomg57 on February 12 at 4:25 p.m.
t’s time to clean house and get rid of the losers, dimwits and dingdogs and get some really smart savvy folks to start winning elections.

Joker,

Cal me: 660-4761, I’ll buy you coffee and you can share your wisdom and experience on how to overcome 30 years of GOP domination in one of the most conservative states in the country. I’m all ears. Literally.
OrangeTV on February 12 at 4:28 p.m.
>>”From the looks of The Joker’s posts today, s/he is keeping the focus on issues rather than personalities”

Except, that is, for constantly insulting the intelligence, honor and mama’s-combat-boot-status of everyone whose “personality” might be of the Democratic persuasion. I don’t claim to be one or the other because I choose not to view the world in strictly black and white and prefer to remain polite regardless of one’s views, but the Joker’s endless, pointless, repetitive harping is designed only to get a rise out people. Reminds me a bit of a bratty kid, but with a less pizazz and finesse. My family are all Democrats (Hi, DOTC!) and so these juvenile comments do get under my skin a little bit. Politics truly brings out people’s ugly side, and some here are really not afraid to let it shine bright.
nic on February 12 at 4:40 p.m.
“I have a great shot of a well-known cda press columnist in Margaritaville/Las Vegas get-up that would make a good replacement.” - DFO

DO IT!!!!
Bob on February 12 at 5:59 p.m.
Wow vehicle emissions testing in North Idaho is a kind of horrifying thought. There’s gonna be a LOT of old Subaru Brats getting turned into backwoods meth labs and pitbull breeding centers. A LOT.
thawtfulreader on February 12 at 7:40 p.m.
The Dems, in general, have made some small gains in North Idaho in recent years.

In Kootenai County:

Bush won over Kerry 66-32%.
McCain won over Obama 61-35%, that’s an 8 point shift.

In ‘06 Sali won 53% to Grant’s 43%
Sali won the last election over Minnick by 51-49%, that’s also an 8 point shift.

In ‘06, Harwood won 56-44
in the last election, Harwood won 57 - 43 over Rose. IOW, she did better than Obama did in KC.

Data from DOTC’s excellent compilations.
http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/elections/

Basically, looking around at some other races as well, Dems have gained about 6-7 points on Repubs in the last 4 years, in races where they competed.

‘Course that still leaves them 13-18 points behind.
thomg57 on February 12 at 8:15 p.m.
‘Course that still leaves them 13-18 points behind.’thawtful

Spot on, thawtful. Joker will comment tomorrow when he gets back to his office.
GaryIngram on February 12 at 9:23 p.m.
ThomG - Re your 4:25 post. I did it as GOP Chairman in 1972 ending over 40 years of Democrat dominiation in Kootenai County. But I’m not going to tell you how.
Bob on February 12 at 9:29 p.m.
Gosh, Gary let me guess - you talked the Democrats into running a commie loser like McGovern against Tricky Dick and whammo!

By the way, Dick Nixon is generally credited with the southern strategy of using white supremacist racist bullcrap to hook in the dumb southern white men to the GOP. Still going on, the only states the GOP did ok in against Obama were the Bible Belt, a bastion of sheet wearing rubes.

So, I’m not saying that’s what happened in Idaho, I mean, you can be a microcephalic hickassed natural resource raping employed white man with a pickup, a wife plucked right off the genetic shrub, and a hatred for anyone darker than the inside of a twinkie and not necessarily vote GOP.

(falls over laughing)
Joker on February 12 at 10:52 p.m.
Those numbers show the Dems are making progress, but failing where it counts.

I am not from Idaho, so I think I bring a fresh prespective to why they’re in trouble. I think the local Dems have good intentions, but they really don’t know what to do to stem the red tide of Republicans.

Here are 10 things I’d do if I were running the Dems.

1. Change the attitude. Eliminate ideas like “we can’t. and that’s impossible because of..”

2. Identify your talent and jettison the rest. That might mean asking longtime people to step aside. Anybody that continues to talk about JFK or the summer of love as the pinnacle of modern history needs to be shown the door. They can be used as financial supporters, but remove them from any decisioning making or candidate lists.

3. You need viable candidates. No more lesbian lumberjacks with no political experience get on the ballot. F

4. No more lettng the Republicans run unopposed, ie Bob Nonini, Frank Henderson. It’s inexcusable to not have challengers.

5 You need to develop a network of committed people who are willing to work hard for free to change the political system.

6. You need money. Lots and lots of money. That means fundraisers with special events, mailings, cold calls. Get the cash.

7. You need volunteers. Get young people involved, they’ve got lots of energy and time. Use them.

8. Develop a message that appeals to the people of North Idaho. The Dems leadership needs to figure out what’s important to people and deliver a clear concise message.

9. Avoid stereotyping voters. Bob’s post in this thread is the kind of thinking Dems to throw in garbage. Treat voters and potential voters with respect. Figure out what they care about and tune it into your message.

10. Be aggressive. Go after Reps strongholds, work those areas, go do to door. Don’t just conceed Idaho as being red forever.

P.S., I’ll be at Blogfest, so when can chat then, provided you can figure out who I am.
GaryIngram on February 12 at 10:55 p.m.
Well Bob, you can get up off the floor now, if you’ve sufficiently recovered, after burgarlizing my comment to ThomG not knowing what you were talking about and looking rather folish in the process while going ballistic with all your ranting. I was talking local, not state, not Nixon. But then words are your forte, not comprehension, I guess. Check the record. We turned out 2 of three county comissioners, the whole Kootenai County legislative delegation, one senator and 2 representatives, and the sheriff. Now, back to you dear ThomG.
Joker on February 12 at 10:59 p.m.
Well, Gary do you think the list I created is offbase?
thawtfulreader on February 12 at 11:11 p.m.
Gary, do you really think there were no local coattails from the landslide Nixon victory in ‘72? Not insignificant, probably makes up at least half of your gains, further boosted by the racist conservative Dems in Idaho switching to the Republicans about that time, and the decimation of the generally pro-Dem union vote due to massive layoffs in the mines.
Bob on February 13 at 4:56 a.m.
Oh Gary, dry your tears big guy. By the way I like your characterization of thread hijacking (which I didn’t) as “burglarizing” kinda good, Gary.

Of course McGovern and Nixon had something to do with your success. You kidding? Idaho is immune to national politics? Not likely. But hey, I don’t wanna steal your old thunder. I’m sure Nixon’s landslide and southern rube strategy had nothing to do with your awesome victories.
nic on February 13 at 7:08 a.m.
8. Develop a message that appeals to the people of North Idaho. The Dems leadership needs to figure out what’s important to people and deliver a clear concise message.

Joker, I klike the list, but there is a major problem with number 8… Most of the democratic platform in contradictory of the ingrained North Idaho way of thinking. Changing the North Idaho lifestyle won’t happen overnight.
thomg57 on February 13 at 7:39 a.m.
Here are 10 things I’d do if I were running the Dems.—Joker,

Wow, Joker, thank you for your “I’m not from Idaho” perspective! The scales have fallen from my eyes because of your brilliant, insightful and never before thought of 10 point plan and now a new day will dawn on progressive politics and our message will spread like wildfire from town to town!

/sarcasm off

Joker, I’m sure from your lofty perch in the Death Star Tower it is easy to gaze over to the hills of North Idaho and figure it all out for us, because we all know that nobody in North Idaho has ever thought of a plan as simple, straightforward and effective as yours is sure to be. We will forever be in your debt anfd when we storm the legislative halls of Boise and seize the Governor’s mansion we will bow to your superior powers of analysis and give praise.

/OK, now the sarcasm is really off.
thomg57 on February 13 at 7:43 a.m.
Gary, I’m sure you singlehandedly turned the tide in Idaho, tell me how you pulled off that Orange County Republican CA white flight?
Sisyphus on February 13 at 7:44 a.m.
Hahahahaha.

1. What’s my pseudonym again?

2. Yeah, jetison big tent politics.

3. We need any candidates. You just don’t get the symbiosis. No organization, no candidates, no candidates, no organization. No organization, no candidates, no money. So you turn away the lesbian and any support she has, her money, and her list of committed volunteers in favor of who, exactly? And we’re turning her away cause she’s lesbian? I see we don’t play for the same team.

4. See no. 3.

5. Duh. See 3 and 4.

6. Duh

7. Duh.

8. Whoa you’re batting a.1000.

9. Yet you’ve done the very same thing.

10. hehehehe, ok wise and powerful sensei, you let us know who’s gonna do all this.

That is just the funniest list of the obvious with zero analysis on how to accomplish it. It ain’t a dictatorship and you don’t just snap your fingers to make it happen. You are naive but thanks for your armchairing. That’s so very helpful Did somebody dig Thom’s forehead out of the keyboard yet? This was really insulting.
Sparky on February 13 at 7:58 a.m.
Joker, I look forward to having a conversation with you at Blogofest. It will be enlightening for both of us.
Bob on February 13 at 8:13 a.m.
A little email birds told me who the joker is. DFO’s attack dog is kinda toothless and slow these days … And much closer to retirement than I. Some might argue he’s overdue. I should be flattered Dave, mebbe 20 years ago when he still had some chops. I also now understand why you need to handicap this punch drunk lug by letting him flail weakly at me while deleting all my counterpunches. He looks funny in boxing shorts and a bib eh? Remember what you wrote me 5 years ago Dave? After you discovered my blog? I was the best you’d ever seen in 35 years. The.best.
Oh this is better than I could asked for. Its on, Joker. Its so on. Say hi to me this year at blogfest, gramps.
Joker on February 13 at 8:14 a.m.
You guys can dismiss this list as insulting and naive. No sweat off my back. I never said this would be easy, quick or simple. In fact it will be hard and painful.

You can dismiss them as “Duh”, but why did Nonini run unopposed?

I went back and read an article about CJ Rose. Sounds like a nice lady. But considering the engrained conservative folks here, was she the best choice to run against Dick Harwood. If you can look yourself in the mirror and “yep” then you’ve got incredibly bad political instincts.

You can point to percentage points and improvement, but until you start winning local elections, it really doesn’t matter.

I thought I’d try to not have any digs or nasty shots in that list. It was calm and rationale. I get attitude back. I suspect it’s because I am getting to the real issues that will force you to take a long hard look at yourselves, and possibly admit you’ve failed. You’ve failed to connect with people here. You’ve failed to appeal to the common values we all share. You’ve failed to find viable candidates, raise money, organize and build a political structure.

It’s probably best for all Idahoans that we a one party system. If you can’t even get elected, how can you even hope to govern effectively.

Toss the list, the Dems can continue to stay out of power in Idaho. Sis, Thom, and Bob can howl about the inbred Idahabillies and how they just don’t get it.
Joker on February 13 at 8:20 a.m.
Sis,

I have nothing against lesbians or homosexuals. I could care less what a person does in the bedroom. I judge people based on who they are.

Bob,

You’re so wrong it’s funny. I am lightyears away from retiring. But keep on guessing.
DFO on February 13 at 8:41 a.m.
Bob; I see you’ve enlisted a coupla guys in your attempt to out The Joker. And you’re doing a lot of fishing to figure out who s/he is. Today, you guess that The Joker has been around for quite some time. Your little e-mail birds told you that. Whatever. I’m not going to respond b/c you’re desperately trying to find clues by your version of “20 questions” — and intimidate someone who is becoming a regular on this blog. You should know the drill by now. Anyone who tries to out someone on this blog immediately goes to the cooler. In fact, the next person who tries to fish for a clue or takes a guess re: The Joker’s identity will end up there for awhile. Now, let’s have another pleasant day like yesterday — and not an unpleasant one like the day before. ok?
Joker on February 13 at 8:50 a.m.
Bob,

I thought I was a bug on the bottom of your shoe that didn’t sting anymore. I thought I was going to get radio silence after you conceed the title to me? Was that true, or you just trying to convince yourself it was true.

I am in Bob’s head like that Jitterbug cell phone commercial for old farts. “Jitterbug,.” He can’t get me out. The Joker is running wild and leaving rent free in your mind!
Bob on February 13 at 9:12 a.m.
Joker look up “projection” on wikipedia your favorite source for unattributed material. Paging Dr Freud. Dr Freud.
Joker on February 13 at 9:27 a.m.
There you go again Bob.

You’re implying that I have no original ideas and that I am lifting everything I write from wikipedia. If think that’s going to make me snap, you’re sadly mistaken. It’s silly.

Go ahead and prove it if you can.

And if we want to bring a person’;s mental state into question, I wonder what a shrink would say about your writings?

I am afraid the answer would be troubling for you, provided they could get through it. I hope you’re trying to be that bad. I walked into the office restroom this morning, and the overpowering stench reminded me of what’s on your blog.
Sisyphus on February 13 at 9:54 a.m.
Joker, there is nothing, nothing on that list that five high school government students don’t know. You first accuse Democrats of being clueless. Then you state that all that’s necessary is a good candidate. Then you endeavor to demean a Democratic candidate because of her sexual orientation. Then you give a simple list of obvious goals displaying a very slow evolution of thought on what’s required but all the while displaying your ignorance of that actual process. Far from calm and rational, it was insulting to those who work hard to get the message out despite the lack of resources and manpower, a shortage they experience not through lack of effort. Its also insulting to the myriad candidates that step up and give it a shot to try and bring some common sense to the statehouse. Contrary to what you think there is no selection or firing, but recruitment and singular efforts. One who hasn’t been in the trenches really has no credibility on the topic but I think you know that. Listing our failures might make yourself feel better but it certainly does not lend you an air of authority.

Bob has done no such thing Dave. Its a short step to observe the Batman and Joker avatars pop up simultaneously. Joker doesn’t give the kind of personal information one usually expects from a human behind a pseudonym. Joker cajoles with pejorative comments in an effort to stir up a thread and doesn’t always give an inkling of his own feelings on the subject and neither does he volunteer his own feelings on a particular subject. You share a unity of interest in stirring controversy and given the slide in views after the transition i understand. Joker seems an appropriate alterego, if not for Batman then someone. Your threat of extreme sanction only feeds this analyisis. But sock puppetry is trollish behavior. I for one am not trying to find Joker’s true identity, couldn’t care less. But sock puppetry interferes with credibility, sincerity, authenticity and a feeling of genuineness I get in interacting with other posters. I’ve seen other blogs bite the dust because of it. It certainly doesn’t make me want to hang.
OrangeTV on February 13 at 10:09 a.m.
The Joker’s true identity is Carol Channing. Just kidding.
Joker on February 13 at 10:13 a.m.
It just hit me: Thom G and SIs are just like George W. Bush and DIck Cheney. None of them can admit failure.
Joker on February 13 at 10:33 a.m.
Thom G answer me this: Why did Bob Nonini run unopposed? I’ve asked the question several times. Should I take your silence as an admission Kootenai County Democrats failed?

To Sis: You’re list of excuses is the very reason the Dems have failed to secure local victories.

Who is responsible for the lack of manpower, resources, etc.?

Your explanation of who gets to run and the process is shocking in this day and age. Who’s in charge here? You let people who want to “give it a shot” run for office. Wow. Would you pick a surgeon that way? Next time you’re at the DMV, stand up and say, “hey I need a heart bypass, who wants to give it a shot?”
GaryIngram on February 13 at 10:33 a.m.
ThomG - Apparently you also have a comprehension problem. Re; Your 7:43 am post, I never “I” I said, ” we” and I also said “local” not “state.” And the fact that Orange County Republicans were moving up here was not lost on this campaigner. Our radio ads featured the USC “Fight” song as background. We didn’t operate in a vacuum, ya know.
Bob on February 13 at 11:03 a.m.
DFO, simmer down. I haven’t enlisted anyone. Joker’s brought that upon himself as can happen here (see: Ziggles era). I won’t out him at all, but knowing who he most likely is changes the dynamics a bit. And makes it WAY more fun for me. I’m actually kinda flattered and disappointed at the same time. If that makes sense. :-)

And I fully expect he’ll continue to be given full leash to gnaw toothlessly on my ankles and when I deign to rainbow kick him over the clothesline you will delete my comments, because you’re trying to get me to challenge you to throw me in the cooler or just lose it so you have to.

It’s like a chess game with you! /sarcasm

Anyhow, Joker, your last insult at me was a big old FAIL. You’ve used the poop metaphor like your last 7 shots. Why don’t you reach over and give that old Wheel of Tired Metaphors of yours a big spin and see if you got anything up there besides poop.

Go on stud, Give it a big boy spin.
DFO on February 13 at 11:16 a.m.
I’m totally calm today, Bob. And I must admit that I’m thoroughly enjoying how the Joker has the Left Bank here so riled up. The Joker’s more thoughtful than Any Mouse and has more staying power than DanG & Co. I’m a little afraid that s/he may be the anti-Christ. Beyond that, I’m so centered that I may have to drop by Stickman’s place today to share my good vibes with him. That, or watch the latest Batman movie again …

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D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.