On the heels of the Seattle Times' endorsement of Mike McGavick, now available online after yesterday's news, there's more to warm the hearts of Sound Politics readers.

In today's paper, the Spokane Spokesman-Review endorsed Cathy McMorris (the editorial is hiding behind their subscription firewall, headline available here).

So what, you say?

In 2004, the paper endorsed McMorris' opponent. And this year, a certain liberal blogger was opining they might well follow suit by backing Peter Goldmark. Indeed, the paper endorsed Democrat Larry Grant in neighboring Idaho's 1st Congressional District race.

In this race, the Spokesman says, "We think McMorris has earned a second term." They also note the path that brought her to Congress:

As a congressional candidate in 2004, she overcame credible rivals for the Republican nomination, then handily defeated a formidable Democrat, well-known Spokane businessman Don Barbieri.

Then they cite her early success as a freshman: "McMorris' quick start was both a reflection of her peers' confidence and a promising sign of her eligibility to represent her constituents effectively."

Also worth mentioning, Goldmark has tried the same tactic as Darcy Burner of trying to bash the Republican incumbent on veteran's issues, and in of interest to the Spokane area, on the health of Fairchild Air Force Base. What view does the Spokesman take on this?

And, she has become a concerned advocate of military veterans whose treatment at the hands of the Veterans Administration leaves much to be desired.

In the hyperbole of a political campaign, McMorris and Goldmark have traded exaggerations over how much good she's done on behalf of Fairchild Air Force Base. McMorris has shown the good sense to tone down her claims, but it's evident - despite Goldmark's unsubstantiated insistence to the contrary - that she added a strong and helpful voice in protecting Fairchild through the last round of base closures.

Oh.

Many observers, including this author, have noticed that despite the long-odds against him, Goldmark does have an interesting resume, putting aside partisan labels. But what does the Spokesman say about Goldmark the candidate?

Goldmark, meanwhile, doesn't begin to match Barbieri's preparation. His campaign is focused mostly on attacking McMorris rather than offering a compelling alternative. When he addresses issues, he talks in generalities rather than specifics.

One wonders if this editorial can be passed off as just another Blethen family conspiracy to eliminate the estate tax as some have tried to claim about certain other endorsements as of late. Me thinks not.