The IDS is a wonderful place but it can be intimidating. When I when in the first time, I didn't stay long. . . . My editor would send me notes saying, "Well, where's your story?" And I thought, "I don't think I can do this."

Tim Nickens has served as political editor and assistant managing editor of the Tampa Bay Times metro section.

He grew up in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Indiana University.

Since 1995, first as an editorial writer and then as political editor, he has written about national politics and presidential campaigns.

In 1996 and 1997 he was awarded first place for editorial writing by the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors.