Public interest here in Tacoma, WA. regarding the D.C. Campaign Finance Follies has been minimal, if not non-existent.

As in other parts of the country, Tacoma residents appear bored by the ongoing tales of political intrigue from D.C. and allegations that China attempted to exert influence in the 1996 election congressional and presidential elections.

In fact, Tacomans seem to view emerging revelations about Huang, Trie, Chung, Haley Barbour, et al as essentially confirmation that both the Republican and Democratic Parties are guilty of campaign finance sins.

However, no one -- with the notable exception of Washington Republican Rep. Linda Smith who, recently announced she is running for the U.S. Senate -- seems interested, angry or agitated enough to really care.

I have considered running Associated Press stories on the hearings nearly every day, but have chosen not to on most days.

Even though the hearings are a "big deal" in some parts of the country they aren't that way here. As a whole we haven't heard much from our readers about the hearings, except a few grumblings about the expense involved. Nebraska is primarily a Republican state, but people don't always vote or take sides along party lines, at least in the Panhandle. I think people in this area are fed up with prolonged hearings and investigations. I have heard a few in the community say it is all a part of the political game. Political posturing by one group to show up the other.