This week, the Democratic Club welcomes Betty Richardson. Betty, along with co-founder Kassie Cerami, founded Idaho Women for Biden. The group consists of over 9,000 members so far. Together, they are working to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on November 3rd. Although the group is only a couple of months old, it is revealing hopeful signs for positive change in Idaho. In this deeply Republican state, seeing this new wave of women in politics and a revitalization of democratic competition is a healthy sign. Be there this Friday, at noon, to hear how people with diverse perspectives can work together for positive change.As with previous online meetings, a link to join will be sent on Thursday. If you do not receive it please let me know at philipjwardjr@gmail.com.
About Idaho Women for Biden
Richardson serves as the volunteer leader of the group. She said its growth is from the word-of-mouth of its members. This diverse coalition believes Idaho needs to move in a new and better direction. When asked about the coalition, Richardson said, “These women were brought together by their shared enthusiasm for Joe Biden. Regardless of their political backgrounds, they find that he shares their values and their ideals. They are fed up with the current political environment and are looking for someone who will bring us together as a nation we can be proud of.”
A local member of the group is Christa Hazel. Christa is a former Kootenai County Republican Central Committeewoman. She also served as a Coeur d’Alene School District trustee. She was quoted in the CDA Press article about the group. “I was a lifelong Republican and I’ve been very involved with Kootenai County politics and helped many campaigns. I felt like the things that were being focused on were not aligning with the concerns I have, and it’s refreshing to find women in Idaho who share my view ….I would like for us to be talking about roads, infrastructure, taxes, education, and leadership during this pandemic. I believe the Biden campaign addresses those things in a way that energizes me, and it’s been a long time for a candidate to get me excited.”
About Betty Richardson
Betty is a native of Lewiston, Idaho. She received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Idaho. In addition, she earned a Juris Doctorate from Hastings College of the Law. Betty has served in many significant leadership roles including being the first woman to serve as a Commissioner and Chairwoman of the Idaho Industrial Commission. Another position of distinction was her presidential appointment as Idaho’s first female United States Attorney. Betty has also been an adjunct professor at Boise State University and Concordia University Law School. She has also written a public affairs column for the Ridenbaugh Press.
