Political reporter William L. Spence of the Lewiston Tribune columnizes that the news media doesn't provide a clear picture re: what legislators behind the headlines are like. Take Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, for example:

"I wanted to write about Vito Barbieri -- he of "nullify the federal government" fame, the Dalton Gardens representative who recently wondered, rhetorically, if gynecological exams could be performed by swallowing a pill. I wanted to point out the good ideas he has for diluting the power of committee chairmen and for increasing legislative effectiveness. I wanted to highlight his awesome sense of humor. After his gaffe about female anatomy, for example, Barbieri agreed to be interviewed on Idaho Public Television while playing Operation, the children's game where you get buzzed for failing to remove toy organs safely. Seriously, who doesn't love that? Here's a guy getting bashed nationwide on social media sites who's willing to poke fun at himself. Disagree with his politics if you want, but you have to admire his panache." Full column here.

Question: Do you think the news media paint an inaccurate picture of our legislators?