Last year we criticized Chesterfield Republicans for endorsing candidates in races for the School Board. Elections to school boards are non-partisan for a reason. In at least one Chesterfield district the tactic may have backfired. GOP swells came out for a candidate many considered the front-runner. He lost. We suspect voters did not like the excessive politicization of the race.

The Democratic endorsement of Dwight Jones for Richmond mayor similarly offends. The circumstances of the endorsement do not flatter the city committee, either. We do not know if smoke filled the room, but the stunt carries the stench of the machine. Welcome to Tammany Hall. It's time to refresh ourselves with the wit and wisdom dispensed by the late George Washington Plunkitt from his perch at the bootblack stand at the New York County Court House. In its way, the Jones blessing serves as a lesson (or cautionary tale) in Politics 101.

This is no time for na?veté. Although the mayoral election is officially non-partisan, partisanship permeates the process. Richmond is heavily Democratic. This year's presidential campaign likely will produce a record margin for the party. Republicans have won mayoral elections in New York (four straight, as a matter of fact), but for the time being Richmond appears beyond their grasp. Jones rates as one of the favorites in the multi-candidate field, perhaps as the favorite. If the Democratic nod may not prove decisive, then it won't hurt. Paul Goldman has appealed the decision with his trademark zeal. Bill Pantele has objected, too.

The Democrats should have stayed out, period. If they had to intervene, however, then they at least should have held an open process with candidate interviews and public notice of an endorsement session. We have sat down with all of the mayoral candidates and found the encounters productive and enjoyable. The insights gained from the meetings will play crucial roles in our endorsement, which will be announced as Election Day draws near.