With a friend like Mike Gwartney, Butch Otter doesn't need enemies. The governor's hand-picked choice to run the state's Department of Administration, Otter's longtime confidant has become one of his political liabilities. Some legislators consider him dismissive and imperialistic - which doesn't help the strained relationship between Otter and the Legislature. Win or lose, taxpayers will be on the hook to defend Gwartney's department in a lawsuit over a state broadband contract/Idaho Statesman Editorial Board. More here.

Question (for Sis and our esteemed Left Bank): What's a Gwartney and why should we care?