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# A smear campaign?
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/a-smear-campaign/
- Published: 2003-10-10T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T03:05:02.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Government & Politics, Montana, #archive-import

Photo courtesy of Michael Gruning In high profile elections, spirited opposition is expected, but “dirty” politics is another matter. When Dr. Michael Gruning arrived at work on election day, he was greeted with feces smeared on his Montana Avenue office window, with an extra helping below on the sidewalk.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/101003-06_01.jpg)

of Michael Gruning In high profile elections, spirited opposition is expected, but “dirty” politics is another matter. (Photo: Photo courtesy)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 10, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/101003.pdf?ref=smdp.com)