Compromised in Washington State

Alan Mutter scolds the publishers of Washington State newspapers for accepting $8 million in tax breaks from the government they're supposed to be holding accountable - not to mention the fact that the state faces $8 billion shortfall. Mutter writes:

In lobbying aggressively for the tax break, the publishers sacrificed their moral authority to challenge favoritism, fiscal imprudence and self-dealing on the part of the state government and the dozens of political figures who supported the measure. ...

:: Will the paper fairly cover upcoming political campaigns involving the politicians who supported the tax break?

:: Will future political endorsements be tilted in favor of the politicians who helped the newspapers?

Mutter estimates that no more than 15 reporter jobs would be saved if every dime went to paper payrolls.