So how does the state of Idaho elect a liberal governor for four terms and an even more liberal Senator for three terms? Follow me below the fold as we talk about the 50 state strategy and what it really means for deep red states.
Cecil D. Andrus was one of Idaho's most popular governors, serving for a total of 14 years. During his term he vetoed a strict anti-abortion law that was very popular, yet still won resoundingly in the next election. He was a champion of the environment, fighting mining efforts in the White Cloud Mountains, as well as opposing nuclear waste dump sites. He also managed to work out a major compromise between conservationists and land users (i.e. farmers and ranchers) over water rights.
Frank Church served in the US Senate for three terms, losing his fourth election by less than 1%, and that due to a heavy infusion of cash from out-of-state thanks to the ABC (Anybody But Church) campaign. He was a dovish Senator (one of the first to come out against the Vietnam War), strong on environmental issues, yet was very popular back at home.
He ran first in 1952 for the state Legislature and was defeated. In 1956 he won his first Senate race handily and kept on winning until he was defeated in 1974 by Steve Syms. Since his case is kind of a one-off deal I'd like to focus more of this diary on Cecil D. Andrus.
In 1966 Andrus was living in the tiny town of Orofino Idaho. Orofino is located in the Panhandle of Idaho. It's about 30 miles east of Lewiston, and a few hundred miles north of Boise. It's not what you would call a major player in Idaho politics. In fact, when Andrus first ran for elected office the population was only 3800 (it's actually declined since then to about 3000).
In 1960 Andrus ran against the state senator from Orofino, defeating him and taking his place in the Senate. He won re-election in 1962, and 1964. He ran for governor in 1966, but was defeated by the eventual winner. This election got his name out in the public though, and in 1970 he ran again for governor, this time winning. He won overwhelmingly again in 1974, was selected by Jimmy Carter to serve on his Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, and then retired to private life for a number of years.
In 1986 he tossed his hat in the ring and captured the governorship. He fought for progressive causes, vetoing a popular anti-abortion bill in 1990, but still winning election easily that year. (In fact, he won in every single county except one.)
In 1968 and 1972 Idahoans voted overwhelmingly for Nixon. In 1992 they voted for Bush I (although a full 27% cast their votes for Ross Perot), and in 1996 they overwhelmingly voted for Bob Dole.
So how did a progressive voice like Cecil Andrus manage to become one of the most popular governors of the state during that period?
- The Candidate
This is a no-brainer. You've got to find a good candidate, one who is well-spoken, hard working, and doesn't have skeletons in the closet. Voters can sense the genuine article and if someone is passionate about their beliefs they can respect that and vote for the person. You don't kneed to have the best public speaker, or the most charismatic person out there, but you do need someone who is genuine and who works hard. To see what I mean, check out this video of Andrus introducing President Obama at a rally in Boise back in Febuary of '08.
A Rahm Emmanuel who is only interested in the win turns off voters.
- The Positions
Democrats elected from red states need to represent all their constituents. Andrus opposed setting up nuclear waste sites in Idaho, a position that earned him friends amongst the anti-government types. Church, who was otherwise remarkably liberal (he was one of the first national politicians to oppose the Vietnam war) was anti gun control. A party hard-liner won't cut in in these states--at least not at first.
- Endorsements
A critical moment in Andrus' first successful campaign was the endorsement of Senator Frank Church, who was extremely popular in Idaho. Although Andrus wasn't that well known, the endorsement of Church made people sit up and take notice. We saw that affect in 2008 when many Dems rode to victory on Obama's coattails (and Bush II angst).
- Labor
Andrus' first victory was won in large part due to organized labor. Labor got out the vote, donated, manned phone banks, knocked on doors, and did a great deal of the footwork. There are lots of unions in red states, and most of the unions have progressive goals. Labor needs to get their members involved.
- The party organization.
Andrus built an effective organization. Along with Frank Church they would dominate Idaho politics for many years. However, their organization was built not on progressive ideals, but on the charisma of the person--after Church lost to Syms, and when Andrus decided not to seek reelection, their organizations faded away. The organizers were dedicated to the person, not to the ideals. The Democrats need to build strong party bases in each state. Use email lists, facebook, myspace, twitter, etc. to keep in contact and to let registered Dems know about events. This organization is critical to building a solid foundation for eventual success.
- Start small.
You won't turn a state blue overnight. You might be able to send a Democrat to the state senate, or elect them mayor, or city councilman, and from there they can build on their experience.
Obama started out as a community organizer before working his way up to where he is now. Gain the name recognition and go from there.
A perfect example is this email I received today from DFA (which actually prompted me to write this diary).
This year Boise, Idaho has the chance to elect a city councilor with new ideas and a fresh voice. TJ Thomson is well known throughout the State as an engaged citizen and Democracy for America is proud to endorse such a strong candidate.
TJ is a respected policy analyst, program evaluator, and community organizer. He has nearly a decade of experience to bring to City Council and has worked at all levels of government in policy analysis, program evaluation, and internal auditing. At the federal level he worked with the U.S. Government Accountability Office in Washington D.C. as a Space Policy Analyst on NASA programs and initiatives.
That's a great way to begin building the base again. (By the way, if you want to get to know TJ you can check him out on his website. TJ Thompson
- Be patient.
Turning the tide won't happen overnight. It will take several election cycles, but if we're committed and engaged it will happen.
We're not going to turn every state blue. That's an impossibility. We can make formerly deep red states competitive though. I find it disquieting that in elections candidates run un-opposed. Even if it's one of the good guys, it's a bad thing. Democracy is about the exchange of ideas, and when you cede an election before it even begins you're admitting that you have no ideas.