Why we’re not going to cover your write-in campaign

Reporters who cover politics are, by and large, hypocrites. We complain about establishment figures and good-ol’-boy networks and politicians who wouldn’t recognize an original thought if it jammed a lapel pin in their eye. But when election season rolls around, we run like hell from third-party candidates and other outsiders. Mounting a write-in campaign? Write someone who cares.

I’m not defending the practice. Wait, yes, I am going to defend the practice. Because marginal candidates tend to be really aggravating.