Because you -- or more specifically Cindy -- asked ... here's a photo by Duane Rasmussen of Coeur d'Alene mayor candidate Mary Souza and her husband, Rick, from Mary's water campaign Sunday.

I'm posting this photo as a result of a blog discussion between Cindy and Duane. Cindy launched it with this comment: "I'm just curious. Is there a Mr. Mary Souza? How come male pols always have an adoring spouse by their side during their campaigns, but ladies not so much. Unless you count Mr. Sarah Palin. He was a pretty good accessory." Duane responded: "I guess you have never met Rick. He was with Mary all the time during the boat parade.He is very nice and very intelligent. He would make a good Mayor but he has a business to run."

• DFO: I'm curious re: what percentage of Portuguese is Rick Souza. Souza, after all, is a Portuguese name.

Question: What role should spouses play in local political races?