When I was seated in the Florida Legislature in 1974 as a new member of the House of Representatives, I was cautioned about dealing with the press. Senior members of the House said don't chase the press, but when they call, be available. But most important always tell the truth. I was told the good ones have a sense when a member is not being truthful. Nothing good ever came from lying to the press.
St. Petersburg Times, now the Tampa Bay Times, is the individual they were describing. He was tough, determined, smart with little or no sense of humor with legislators. But that is really the way it should be. Here is Martin's earlier Quorum Call.