Sentence:  It is not just <WSD>politicians</WSD> who find aspects of the explosion in satire unwelcome. Thanks to the internet, professional purveyors of the stuff face a lot more competition. For once, the joke is at their expense. A niche craft practised by a talented few has turned into a globally popular hobby, and what was once considered audacious commentary is now mainstream. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  One engaged in politics, especially an elected or appointed government official.