Supporters of Kansas State University Provost Duane Nellis arranged for former U.S. Sen. Steve Symms, who played football for the Vandals in the late 1950s, to raise the issue with Gov. Butch Otter in a meeting last week. Lt. Gov. Brad Little, many legislators and State Board of Education President Milford Terrell have been getting their share of pressure, too, to find more money for Nellis, who has attracted support for his experience at a land grant school and his Northwest connections. But he turned down the offer because the salary was too low. ... Pay is the sticking point, Holbrook said, adding that he's heard through the grapevine Nellis would agree to about $350,000/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Should Gov. Butch Otter press the Legislature to find more money to hire a candidate with Spokane roots who's favored by key University of Idaho boosters?