The current hullabaloo over a couple of seemingly minor political ethics issues -- Gov. Brian Schweitzer's public service ad on behalf of agriculture and PSC member Brad Molnar's use of a utility donation (since returned) to promote energy conservation -- is a reminder when it comes to political candidates and office-holders, it is important to toe the line.

That's why it was disappointing to see that the state political practices commissioner has had to issue so many noncompliance letters to candidates who have failed to file their campaign finance reports.

The IR State Bureau reported that Commissioner Dennis Unsworth gave the warning to 17 legislative candidates and two unsuccessful statewide office-seekers. This is no small deal: if the candidates don't submit their reports within five days, Unsworth can take them to court or ask their local county attorney to do so. A potential fine is three times the amount of money they failed to report spending and raising, and candidates who won their primary contests could be removed from the general-election ballot if they miss an Aug. 14 deadline.

The issue is, however, more than just a matter of legal niceties. Campaign reporting requirements and other regulations governing politics are in place for a very good reason. As anyone with a smattering of historical knowledge is well aware, this country has a long and ugly tradition of political skullduggery, from bribery and influence peddling to digging up votes from the grave.

Modern campaign laws recognize this and are designed to reassure citizens that those who would represent them are held to a high standard. People's faith in the process depends on it, and we would wish that everyone who runs for office would take those laws very seriously.