THERE IS PLENTY TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT

There are days when I feel despondent. I imagine you do too. The negative news keeps coming in waves, and it forecasts challenging times ahead for our world, our nation, and the people in general. You probably have friends and loved ones who are suffering from chronic health problems, economic stress, or the impact of the ongoing natural disasters that seem to be happening more frequently and with greater impact. And that is without factoring in the political and economic trainwreck we can expect from the next administration.

THERE ARE ALSO HOPEFUL SIGNS

That said, I am buoyed by the upcoming DNC elections. Perhaps you are following them. If not, I am happy to report that there is a slate of enthusiastic candidates in the races for Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Finance Chair that you can be proud to support, and the list seems to grow longer every day. 

It should not come as a surprise that none of them are billionaires. However, the leading candidates do have varying degrees of experience in elective politics and participatory governance. Most importantly, they are representative of the full spectrum of Democratic voters, from right to left.

No matter which candidates win the DNC elections at the end of the month, they will have a steep hill to climb. But if their campaigning is any sign of their competitive spirit and progressive will, these new Party leaders will find ways for us to win the next round.

Whenever I read about this incoming class of Party leaders, I feel better.

LOOKING AHEAD

So, how will this change in National Party Leadership affect us here in Kootenai County?

Well one thing is for sure, the Party is changing. It seems on the verge of a generational shift. There is a broad consensus that more resources must go to red states, instead of just to swing states. If this shift in attitude holds, it will clearly help us here in Deep Red Idaho. Given that it feels as if we live in the belly of the MAGA beast, just getting to a point of political parity seems insurmountable. Yet it is important to remember that everything is cyclical, and you never know when things will shift. So, knowing that we could receive needed financial support from the top, will go a long way toward lifting our spirits and building our political coalition.

CHANGE TAKES CONSISTENT EFFORT AND COMMITMENT

The key for now is to not get disheartened and to remember that the easiest way to tackle a big job is to divide up the workload into manageable pieces, and to set achievable goals. In other words, we won’t be flipping Idaho blue any time soon. But we can develop plans and implement strategies that will move us towards achieving this vision for our state in the years to come.

For now, the focus should be on holding our legislators accountable by writing and calling them throughout the legislative session. By working in a coordinated way, we can stop the worst of their efforts. You can look up your legislative leaders from the Idaho Legislature’s Who’s My Legislator? Page.

Another way to have influence is to Submit a Letter to the Coeur d’Alene Press when something upsets you. Believe me, when I tell you that there are a lot of examples of things to upset us such as the recent efforts to defund public schools, repeal Medicaid expansion, and attack marriage equality.

You can also help carry the load by making regular contributions to our local party through ActBlue. These small regular donations help us to build our infrastructure and consistently message our loyal base of constituents.

And keep up with what you are already doing. So, if you are a postcard writer keep on writing. If you are currently a Legislative District Chair, keep recruiting precinct captains. And for my fellow precinct captains continue to build your neighborhood networks.

Moreover, do not be afraid to talk to folks who may not agree with you. These encounters can be educational and there will be circumstances where you will find people who turn out to be more receptive than you might imagine.

And don’t be disheartened when you experience setbacks. These temporary obstacles are part of the political process and every step you take brings us closer to achieving our long-term goals.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDEON THE LIGHTER SIDEON THE LIGHTER SIDE

I hope you will treat yourself by registering to attend the 2025 Democracy Dinner Gala at the Best Western CDA Inn on February 15th. This annual fundraiser is a morale booster and an opportunity to spend a pleasant evening with other committed Democrats which I think will do wonders for us all.

Thanks for being Democrats.