Which is the reddest state? It's gotta be Idaho. Yes, neighboring Utah probably has as many Republicans, but at least it has one Democrat in Congress. Not only is Idaho's four-person congressional delegation currently all GOP; the state has no Democrats serving in the state's constitutional offices, and only 26 of 105 state lawmakers are Dem. (But there's no doubt that things are looking up; from 2000 to 2002, only 12 Dems were serving. Also, the mayor of Idaho's largest city is a Democrat, and the state gave Barack Obama his largest win during primary season, an amazing 80 percent.)
How can Kossacks - particularly those with past or present ties to Idaho - help Idaho Democrats make further gains this fall? Here's a new ActBlue page featuring 10 races to change Idaho politics. Just go donate what you can (to one or more candidates or the Idaho Dem Party as a whole), or read more about the candidates below the flip. Thanks!
Idaho is a state where your contributions go a long way, so contribute what you can. Candidates featured on the page include:
Barb Kramer - As of September 26, Barb and her team have knocked on 3,338 doors across Nez Perce County in North Central Idaho. A longtime educator and small-business owner, Barb stands for open, transparent government; sound tax policy; and jobs that can feed a family.
Bob Solomon - Bob is running in District 11, the rapidly suburbanizing region northwest of Boise. His opponent is Steve Thayn, one of the most regressive Republicans in the legislature. Thayn once called public education “institutionalized child abuse.”
C.J. Rose - C.J. is running in North Idaho to preserve the state's famous quality of life, strengthen our schools, and value middle-class families and small businesses. She also hopes to be the second open lesbian elected to the state legislature.
Jim Rehder - Jim is one of three strong Dems running in District 8, which includes the fast-growing McCall-Cascade area. He says, “I believe the people of District 8 deserve representation by someone who will bring hard work, moderation, and balance to our state legislature; someone with local government experience and solid knowledge of local issues. We do not currently have this kind of representation."
John McGimpsey - This is a second run for John, who came close in 2006 and is in excellent position to become the second Democrat in decades elected from Idaho Falls. (Jerry Shively was the first, in 2006.) John is a veteran of the US Navy nuclear power program, a successful small businessman, and a strong advocate for our schools.
Judith Brown - A resident of Moscow, Judy is running against a fairly moderate Republican. But her resume - she has two master's degrees in economics and served as director of United Vision for Idaho’s Idaho Center on Budget and Tax Policy from 1997 through 2007 - make it clear she's someone who needs to be in the statehouse right about now.
Michelle Waddell - Twenty years ago, Jim Hansen (the current exec dir of the Idaho Democratic Party) won an upset victory over the sitting House Majority Leader. It'd be sweet to see it happen again this year. Michelle is running strong against Mike Moyle, a retrograde Republican who is ignoring the needs of his suburban Boise district.
Randy Doman - As an Idaho County Commissioner, Randy has helped guide this far-flung region through some of its most difficult years. Prior to being elected as a commissioner, Randy enjoyed a career in public lands and fire management. Randy understands rural and small-town Idaho and is ready to provide real leadership in the Statehouse.
Sunny Freeman - A grassroots leader in Idaho's second-largest city of Nampa, Sunny has great passion for public service. She recently started a series of community discussions to help people come together across party lines to talk about important issues. Her opponent has obstructed progress on many key issues important to Canyon County.
Tamara Lee Polestra - Tamara Lee is a working mother who has been active in the Coeur d'Alene community as a grassroots organizer and human rights leader. She supports strong public schools, a fair and balanced tax system, and solutions to preserve our quality of life amid rapid growth.