Crank up those endorsements

With the May 20 primary election just a month away, The Press Opinion pages will give highest priority to letters on local political issues, as well as letters endorsing local candidates. As a brief refresher:

* Endorsement letters have a strict word limit - 300 or fewer words.

* Only one endorsement letter per writer will be published during the campaign season. If you wish to endorse more than one candidate in a single letter, that's fine, but the 300-word limit still applies.

* If there isn't enough space in the print edition of The Press for all endorsement letters submitted, highest priority will be given to writers living in the legislative districts of the endorsed candidates. In other words, an endorsement letter from someone living in Boise for a legislative candidate from Coeur d'Alene will receive a lower priority than a letter from someone living in Coeur d'Alene endorsing a candidate in District 4.

* Please don't wait until the week before the election to submit endorsement letters. The later you submit it, the greater the chance it won't be published.

* Endorsement letters may be encouraged by candidates, but letter-writing campaigns are discouraged.

* Endorsement letters should be written by the person whose name appears at the bottom of the letter.

Accurate background about and personal insights into the candidates make for stronger endorsements. But these are opinion pieces, so it's fair to say why you think your candidate will do a better job than will her or his opponent. As with all letters to the editor, please ensure your name, city of residence and phone number - in case we need to call and clarify anything - are included. We will not publish your phone number or address.

Any questions, please email Mike Patrick: [email protected].