Politics, at times, can be a dirtier game than football or hockey.

That's why it's refreshing to see three local politicians leading the way, pledging to keep their campaigns this fall free from personal attacks toward their opponents.

It's easy to be involved in mudslinging when you're dealing with any type of political race. If you're running for office and your opponent says something either negative or untrue about your (or both), you may feel compelled to defend yourself, and then sling a personal attack back at your opponent -- whether it's true or not.

Voters aren't dumb. Such below-the-belt tactics get old. When tactics start to turn toward personal attacks, it's tantamount to children fighting on a playground.

Dan Dorman, Grace Schwab and Jeff Anderson are to be commended for leading the way to keep their campaigns above reproach. We hope others follow their lead and respond to invitations to keep personal and unwarranted attacks out of their campaigns this election season.