Natalia Rudiak's supporters no doubt did a double-take. She was endorsed May 6 by the Post-Gazette for the Democratic nomination in the District 4 City Council race.

Yet there it was Friday, a mailer from the campaign of Patrick Reilly implying something far different.

Under the bold headline "Endorsed Democrat Patrick Reilly" and two subheads saying he was endorsed by both the Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Democratic committees was a representation of the Post-Gazette's nameplate with a quote from the editorial that said Patrick Reilly is "energetic, smart and understands the value of networking." He is not endorsed by the Post-Gazette, but the slick packaging implied otherwise.

This incident is outrageous and lays before the voters Mr. Reilly's lack of integrity. The public resents candidates who twist reality to suit their political aims and use disingenuous material to treat voters like pawns. People have a right to wonder what kind of conduct to expect from such politicians once in office and they must wield their votes as a pre-emptive strike to get only the most trustworthy public servants -- certainly not Patrick Reilly.

We said it once and we'll say it again. Natalia Rudiak is active in a half-dozen neighborhood groups and she's committed to improving Pittsburgh's quality of life. She has a passion for public policy and a compassion that keeps her rooted in the community. That makes her the Democrats' strongest choice for nomination -- and the Post-Gazette's only endorsed candidate in District 4.