The Republican Blogger

I was quoted in today’s Statesman regarding the latest revelations regarding Larry Craig. Of course, with some of Kevin Richert’s recent comments, I knew that piece would be quoted given the prominece of the Popkey piece.

I noticed that for the 2nd time in the last few weeks, I was referred to as a “Republican blogger.” I was pondering the meanings of and expectations of such a title.  I wonder first of all, if some readers might be confused and conclude the Republican title indicates some official affiliation? Unlikely, but for anyone wondering, I’m not paid by the Idaho GOP (and if I were I suspect I would have been fired some time ago for stubborn disagreements.)

Of course, the phrase Republican blogger could also be taken to mean “shill blog” which simply regurgitates party talking points. This, I trust is not an impression anyone would have, even if they’ve just read the portions of the blog included in “Other Voices.” I’m a Republican, but I don’t always agree with the party or its leadership and when I don’t, you hear about it here.

Thankfully, the phrase isn’t used  too often. Usually he goes for “conservative blogger”. However, Clayton Cramer was featured in the same column and was called the conservative blogger, so I, by default got the Republican blogger title, which I suppose is preferrable to adjectives used for me on liberal blogs.

There are few other adjectives that relate to politics that would work. He uses left-leaning quite a bit, but were I to be called right-leaning, it would almost be an insult to my sagacity and the level of my conservatism. Right wing is too loaded and would make the Statesman look too biased.

In the end, coming up with all these adjectives is a tough job, but that’s why they make the big bucks….