Articles
2018 Year in Review
Here are the highlights of the year: Safe Passage Breakfast Sixteen KC Dems, including two candidates attended the Safe Passage Violence Awareness breakfast and also donated to the organization. Safe Passage helps victims, mostly women and children, who are affected...
read more
KC Dems Support Souport for the End of Homelessness
In November, KC Dems Community Outreach volunteers and about 1000 other folks enjoyed the truly warming (for heart and stomach!) soup contest event put on by St. Vincent de Paul. Held this year for the first time at the Silver Lake Mall, the event raises money to help...
read more
We Oppose Prop 2 Lawsuit
We, the Kootenai County Democrats, are disappointed with the recent lawsuit against Proposition 2 Medicaid Expansion that has been brought to the Idaho Supreme Court by the dark money group known as the Idaho Freedom Foundation. This special interest group is led by...
read more
Medicaid Expansion Good for Idaho
Medical bankruptcy is a uniquely American medical problem, as is affordable health care for over 60,000 Idahoans. Idaho taxpayers are currently paying for Medicaid expansion in 33 states, but we do not benefit from this program. There is a myth people “in the gap” are...
read more
Break the Silence Suicide Prevention Walk
A large contingent of community volunteers, including the Kootenai County Democrats, joined the community in support of this important community event organized by the Region 1 Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN). Over 800 folks registered for the SPAN Walk to...
read more
Families Belong Together
Written by Zoe O’Brien Photography from CDA Families Belong Together Vigil It’s 2018 and we are one nation under hate, and responsible for the separation of all 2000+ families coming over our border seeking asylum. How is it fair that I can come home every day to my...
read more
A platform we all can believe in
Finally, the 2018 Idaho Democratic Party Annual State Convention is officially over. More importantly, this biennial event, held in Caldwell at the College of Idaho was a big success. The conference drew elected delegates from all over Idaho. Together, this committed...
read more
Kootenai Dems Reject Federally Forced Separation
Based on a LTE-Submitted to the CDAPRESS June 6, 2018 We, the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee, protest the fact that, under Attorney General Jeff Sessions's “zero tolerance policy,” officers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement forcibly separate...
read more
Stellar Accomplishments Distinguished Nash-Mahuron
The Kootenai Democrats enthusiastically recognize Jessica Nash-Mahuron as the 2018 Rising Star. Jessica distinguished herself by displaying an unflagging work ethic, organizational and strategic planning skills, and infectious enthusiasm. The Kootenai County...
read more
KDWA Shower Gifts Support CASA
The Kootenai Democratic Women’s Association hosted their CASA Baby Shower on Wednesday, May 16. KDWA members and friends gathered at the home of Shiela Gary. Gary is a co-chair of the association. The annual spring benefit collected clothing and incidentals for babies...
read more
2018 Democracy Dinner
On May 10, the Kootenai Democrats gathered for a celebration. The reason for this festive event was the 16th Annual North Idaho Democracy Dinner. This regional gathering of Democrats featured a keynote address by former Washington State Legislator and current...
read more
Unselfish Service Makes Callen Worthy
The Kootenai County Democrats bestow the 2018 Art Manley Lifetime Achievement Award to Janet Callen. For the past 18 years, she lived the principles for which this award was established. In addition, she consistently demonstrates her commitment to Democratic values...
read more
Kootenai Democrats Proudly Welcome Matt Kilburn
The Kootenai Democrats proudly welcome Matt Kilburn. The Central Committee selected Matt to be our new 2018 field organizer. Hiring Matt signifies an important investment in our Party. It also supports our goal of getting our Democratic candidates elected this year....
read more
Active April
Our KC Dems Community Outreach Committee works to make Democrats visible in Kootenai County! Thanks to Cathy Kraus and her team, local Democrats had an active April by participating in the Kootenai Environmental Alliance Earth Day Fair and the Safe Passage Violence...
read more
Lincoln Reclaimed
Two local Democrats want you to know they are running to become Idaho State Legislators for Kootenai County. Their campaigns emphasize their intention to reclaim values true to their bloodline. The brothers, Dan and Shem Hanks, are great, great, great, great, great...
read more
Rapid Response Team
Real change doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, it’s cultivated through years of careful planning and thorough execution. To achieve this needed change, the Idaho Democrats have created a Rapid Response Team. Formed in the aftermath of the 2016 elections, the Rapid...
read more
Undermining Independent Oversight
Redistricting and gerrymandering are topics in the news as the new US Census approaches. The reason for the renewed attention is because the census results affect the allocation of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. In other words, as state populations...
read more
Consuming Politics
Over 100 enthusiastic county residents filled the Human Rights Education Institute for Pizza and Politics on Saturday, March 3. The annual gathering, hosted by the Kootenai Democrats, featured House Minority Leader and District 9 Representative Mat Erpelding. As the...
read more
Speaking About Fair Taxes
My name is Cory Jane English, senatorial candidate for Legislative District 4. As the political season gets underway, there is a lot of talk about taxes. For example, the Republican candidates for governor are trying to out-conservative one another by talking about...
read more
Hanks Announces Campaign
Shem Hanks announces campaign to run for Seat 4B in the Idaho State Legislature this November. Hanks is a 20+ year resident of Kootenai County and a native Idahoan. His primary focus is on standing up for the working class. “I was raised in a double-wide...
read more
Pizza and Politics
The 2nd Regular Session of the 2018 Idaho Legislature got under way on January 8, 2018. The agenda is set and the issues are vast. Hidden among the many subjects under discussion are changes which will affect you and your family for good or ill. The outcome may seem...
read more
Community Voices: Thomas Keenan
Suppose instead of falling for the "wedge-issue-of-the-month" trap, we reject messaging that serves only to divide us as neighbors, communities and citizens of a great nation. When faced with an invite to expend needless energy "discussing" the latest wedge issue,...
read more
Progressive play shines at Lake City Playhouse
Falsettos, William Finn’s musical originally on Broadway in the 90s, tells the story of a family reconfigured by the coming out of a homosexual father during the AIDS epidemic. Set in the late 70s and 80s, Falsettos follows the life of a family of three; Trina (played...
read more
Rebecca Schroeder Announces Candidacy for Idaho Legislature
For Immediate Release December 22, 2017 Schroeder to Run for State Representative, Seat A, in District 4 For more information contact Shawn Keenan 208-699-6340 COEUR D’ALENE— Rebecca Schroeder is announcing her campaign to be District 4’s next State Representative....
read more
Kootenai Democrats Endorse Medicaid Initiative Petition
January 9th, 2018 The Kootenai County Democratic Party endorses the petition drive launched by non-partisan group Reclaim Idaho to expand Medicaid for 78,000 Idahoans who fall in the coverage gap, many of which who desperately need access to care. Our current Idaho...
read more
Community Voices: Paulette Jordan House Party
Article by Cory Alexander, MD “If you aren’t sitting at the table, you are on the menu!” -- Paulette Jordan On Friday, December 22, 2017, I attended a house party in Spokane Valley with Rebecca Schroeder featuring Paulette Jordan, Democratic candidate for Governor of...
read more
Solidarity Rally at Hecla HQ: Let’s Support Miners!
Article and Photography by Shawn Keenan Shirley McFaddan, Kristi Milan, and Jan Studer stand in solidarity along Highway 95 in front of Hecla Mining Company Headquarters. Since March 13th of this year, more than 230 of our USW Local 5114 brothers and sisters from the...
read more
KC Dems Souport the End of Homelessness
Article by Cathy Kraus, Community Outreach Committee Chair The KC Dems bread team is ready in their KC Dems shirts. On November 16th, as chilly gray skies and drizzle hung over Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai County Democrats’ Community Outreach...
read more
Idaho Dems Vote for Primary, not Caucus
Article by Paula Neils Photography by Christine Harding The Idaho Democratic State Committee voted on October 14, 2017, at the quarterly meeting in Pocatello, to change from a caucus to a primary to determine voter preference for the Democratic presidential...
read more
Honoring the Veterans in our Families
A KC Dems Community Collaboration Submitted by Lt. Colonel Bill Douglas, U.S. Army JAG, Ret. and former Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Photo Caption: Lt. Colonel Bill Douglas, U.S. Army JAG, Ret. As a retired Army Judge Advocate General, I have given legal...
read more
Speak up for Your City Council and Vote!
Article by Jessica Nash This November election, residents across Kootenai County are invited to cast their ballots for various city positions. That includes Mayoral seats in some cities, City Council seats in all cities and Fire District Commissioners seats in...
read more
KC Dems Bust a Groove with Dance Through Time
Photography by Teuvo Orjala and Larry Telles Article by Jessica Nash On the Friday night before Halloween, local Democrats of all ages graced the dance floor at the Eagles club on Sherman Avenue. With stellar dance moves and flashy costumes, Kootenai Democrats...
read more
Faith Leaders Share Views on Climate Change
Article by Suzanne Marshall Climate Action CDA, a program of the Kootenai Environmental Alliance, hosted a panel on Faith and Climate Change at North Idaho College on October 19, 2017. An audience of approximately 50 community members and students listened to...
read more
Engaging our Youth in the Classroom
Article by Paula Neils One of the many tasks I do as Chair of the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee is to accept speaking invitations. For the past eight years in the fall, responding to an invitation by Mr. Brian Holgate, I have spoken to the US...
read more
Community Voices: Thomas Keenan
Article by Thomas Keenan Introduction by Jessica Nash Thomas Keenan has lived in Coeur d’Alene since 1978. His civic engagement and community involvement over the years is impressive. He has door-knocked as a Democratic Precinct Captain, beautified our area through...
read more
Idaho Democrats: It’s Time to Stand Together
Article by Christopher S. Matthews A guiding principle I live by is staying true to myself. As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” Since the...
read more
America’s Immigration Policy: #Sad!
Column by Jan Studer Images Contributed by Alycia Moss President Trump appears unable to show true compassion to the immigrant children and young adults of the United States who were brought to American shores by their parents and who now await a decision about...
read more
Lights, Camera, Political Action!
Article by Mary Hamilton Photography by Larry Telles and Teuvo Orjala The Kootenai County Democrats hosted another successful Theater Night event. Bev Moss and her incredible team put together an evening of food, beverages, theater and great conversation. Lake City...
read more
Lake CDA Waterkeeper Hosts Boat Tours
Article by TJ Gossard Do you know that the second largest Superfund site in the United States, Bunker Hill, has affected the Coeur d’Alene Basin? Do you know that the United States Geological Survey estimates there are more than 75 million metric tons of contaminated...
read more
2017 Dem Fair Booth: An Unqualified Success!
Article by Paula Neils Photography by Larry Telles The 2017 North Idaho Fair is now history. The “Democratic Booth at the Fair” is an annual event of the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee and is accomplished by much expense, planning, and dreaming up...
read more
Democratic Women in Bloom at Garden Party
Article and Imagery by Jessica Nash Democratic women in our community gathered for the popular Annual Garden Party on Wednesday, August 16th at Theresa Potts’ home in Coeur d’Alene. Surrounded by an array of cultivated flowers and greenery, women mingled and...
read more
Pot: Profit or Prosecution?
Column by Jan Studer To a passerby, the gathering in the dining room at the Seasons restaurant on August 2nd might have appeared to be seniors participating in a presentation on Medicare or Social Security. This presumption would not have been far-fetched, since...
read more
Medicaid for Idaho Campaign Tours Coeur d’Alene
Article and Photography by TJ Gossard “Right now our senators—Senator Crapo, Senator Risch—are participating in an effort to begin a process, and possibly complete a process, to dismantle Medicaid as we know it: putting $800 billion out of the Medicaid program.”...
read more
Reclaim Idaho and Marilynne Robinson Elevate Education Conversation
Article by Jessica Nash Photography by Mary Hamilton In a relatively short period of time, Reclaim Idaho has catapulted a statewide campaign propelled by grassroots community organizing. At the heart of the campaign are issues that affect our daily lives:...
read more
Where Progressive Values Meet Party Organization
The New Face of Grassroots Advocacy in Kootenai County Article by Courtney Beebe Chris Matthews has always shared the progressive values of Theodore Roosevelt and FDR, even as a student at Kellogg High School where he met his future wife, Emily. After serving in...
read more
KC Dems Hit the Streets with Summer of Resistance
Article by Courtney Beebe Photography by Nash Mahuron The Kootenai County Democrats grabbed some sunscreen and hit the streets on July 8, 2017 for the Idaho Democratic Party “Summer of Resistance” canvass and training event. The Summer of Resistance is a 14-city,...
read more
Our Footprint in the Community
Article by Lisa Nunlist and Bev Moss The long-awaited new home for the historic Coeur d’Alene Carousel opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 9th. This charming structure is across from City Park, next to Memorial Field. From 1942 to 1975, this same...
read more
KC Dems Rally for 4th of July Parade
Dedicated volunteers gathered at Kootenai County Democrats Headquarters on Sunday, July 2nd to create signage for the annual 4th of July parade on Sherman Avenue. Sign-makers were encouraged to emit powerful and positive messages to proudly display our values to the...
read more
Progressive Dinner: She Persisted
Ts. Rage. Anger. Lack of Civil Discourse. Have you ever wondered why these emotions seem so prevalent in today’s political climate? Well, Progressive Diners hosted presenter Cory Alexander, MD at its June 7th meeting at the Seasons in downtown Coeur d’Alene and...
read more
Kootenai County Democrats Show their Pride in the Park
At this year’s 3rd annual Pride in the Park, Kootenai County Democrats joined a rainbow of vibrant organizations, businesses and attendees to celebrate inclusion and diversity. Organized by the North Idaho Pride Alliance, the event was held at Coeur d'Alene City Park...
read more