Red State Rebels

Calling all Idaho Democratic candidates

Later this week, Red State Rebels will publish a massive new list featuring all available websites or blogs from 2008 Democratic candidates for state and local office. It'll feature state legislative races, but we'd also like to include candidates for local offices, too. So if you are a Democrat running for office in Idaho this fall, you can save us some time by adding your website in the comments below or emailing it to me at juliewrites at yahoo dot com. (Please put "Candidate website" in your subject line.) Thanks!

Let's hear it for the working folks

Happy Labor Day, everyone. I hope you had a great weekend. I stopped by the Boise Central Trades and Labor Council's annual shindig at Municipal Park, where hundreds of people were enjoying burgers and dogs hot off the grill and plenty of fine speechifying by our Democratic candidates. Before the speeches, I introduced myself to some folks at my table and mentioned that I write for a Democratic blog. One woman asked, somewhat in a panic, if it was a "Democrat" picnic. I said no, but that most union people lean Democratic, and that Democrats work hard for working families. Come to think of it, when was the last time you saw Mike Simpson, Bill Sali, Mike Crapo, or Jim Risch at this event? So yeah, it is a Democratic picnic in spirit, if not in fact.

Larry LaRocco, who has been Working for Senate since last summer, led off the speeches. ("I can't thank you enough for what you've done for working families across Idaho," labor leader John Kierce said as he introduced Larry.) "This is not a time to conceptualize or theorize or visualize about winning," Larry said. "This is a time to put our shoulder to the wheel and win." He blasted the John McCain-Jim Risch health care plan, saying he could describe it in three words: "Don't get sick." He also reminded the crowd that, as a Congressman in the 1990s, he voted against Bill Clinton's wishes and voted against NAFTA. He pledged to continue working jobs alongside Idahoans - he's done 34 so far - even after he's elected as a means of staying grounded in what working families experience every day.

Walt Minnick was next, and the 1st District House candidate said that America is not great because of its Wall Street millionaires or celebrities or star athletes, but because of its working people, adding that "if this country has a future - and it does have a future," it's because working men and women will work to turn around the crises of foreclosed homes, outsourced jobs, and health care and education that's beyond the reach of most middle-class Americans. "Fortunately, we're not the only ones to recognize this mess, he added. "The consensus is that Washington, D.C., is broken and that it's time to fix it.

Debbie Holmes, the 2nd District House candidate, pledged to focus on clean energy jobs, conservation, and honoring our veterans "with real help, not just lip service." She mentioned that as a former Hillary Clinton supporter who became a Barack Obama last March, she was insulted by John McCain's pick of Sarah Palin as his running-mate, adding "Sarah Palin isn't ready to lead this country, and John McCain isn't either. He's proven it with his choice." She concluded her remarks by asking people to "show America that Idaho wants to be part of the change."

Kierce, the president of the Boise Central Trades & Labor Council, asked everyone present to consider giving "Eight in '08," or eight hours of volunteer work for a campaign of our choice. "You don't have to do it all at once," he said, and in fact, an hour a week from now through Election Day sounds about right. Click on the websites linked above, or consider volunteering for any of our great Idaho State Legislature candidates, many of whom were on hand for today's festivities, including Les Bock, Grant Burgoyne, Sue Chew, Brian Cronin, Greg Funk, Kate Kelly, Bill Killen, Phyllis King, Nicole LeFavour,  Michelle Waddell, and Elliot Werk. (I hope I didn't miss anyone. You can view a longer list of state candidates here. And remember Ada County commisioner candidates David Langhorst and Paul Woods, too. Let's turn the courthouse blue.)

Update: McJoan had a write-up and photos at Daily Kos, too. "Yes, Idaho still has Labor, though two decades of 'right to work' has lessened their ranks. Nonetheless, they're still active, vocal, and fighting for Idaho Dems." Read and see more here.

Mitt Romney for District 18

In what may rank as one of Idaho's biggest-ever campaign Internet boo-boos - akin to Mike Simpson's misappropriation of Denny Hastert's website in 2006 - the issues page on the website for District 18 GOP candidate Julie Ellsworth is featuring Mitt Romney photos and his platform. Ridenbaugh Press caught this on Thursday, and yet the page is still floating around two days later (though Ellsworth's real home page comes up here). I'm guessing that Ellsworth's web designer wanted to use the page as a template and forgot to remove it, but still ...

Best headline from this story, "Julie Ellsworth has great hair" (from Boise Weekly's new Citydesk blog).
District 18 voters: This may be evidence that you'll want to stick with Branden Durst.

Weekend edition 8/22-24 and open thread

Update, Saturday morning: at right

I'm posting this at 3:20 on Friday before I head to the fair, and there's still no word on Barack Obama's VP pick. I love the idea that we'll all find out at the same time - those of us on Obama's alert list, anyway - and that he'll have all these cell phone numbers to remind people to vote in November, and that the people matter more than the media to THIS campaign.

This news won't hold forever, so use this as an open thread to discuss the choice, if you like, and/or Obama's event Saturday in Springfield, Illinois (which should start about 1 p.m. Mountain Time). Here's what else is going on this weekend:

The LaRocco for Senate campaign will open its Canyon County field office with an open house from 5 to 7 today (Friday, August 22). Join Larry and the Canyon County Dems (who are sharing the space at 1002 Blaine St., Caldwell) and learn how you can help turn Canyon County blue this fall.

Head to the Western Idaho Fair for its final weekend. I will be in the Ada County Dems booth from 5 to 8 tonight (Friday) and I'd love to meet you and personally sign you up as a volunteer for this fall's fun. I hear we have a lot of great Obama gear for sale out there as well, plus info on all our local, state, and national Democratic candidates and campaigns.

And as noted in earlier posts:

The Tour de Fat hits Boise tomorrow (Saturday). Wear your Obama gear and ride your bike to the Anne Frank Memorial for a pre-tour meeting at 8:30 a.m., followed by a full day of revelry in Ann Morrison Park ... all in the name of breaking our addiction to oil.

Vern Bisterfeld plans a backyard BBQ starting at noon Saturday (with Mayor Dave Bieter on the dunk tank) in honor of Ada County commish candidates Paul Woods and Dave Langhorst and state Rep. Branden Durst. Good times!

Congressman Jim Matheson of Utah will be in Boise this Saturday night to help out 1st District House candidate Walt Minnick.

Spend $5, hear some live music, and help send a young Democrat to Denver - all Saturday night at the Visual Arts Collective in Garden City.

BBQ with Vern!

Saturday afternoon, August 23^rd, Boiseans will line up to take shots at Mayor Dave Bieter attempting to land him in a dunk tank at a the home of Boise City Councilman, Vern Bisterfeldt. The event is an opportunity for residents to get to know District 18 State Representative Branden Durst, Ada County Commissioner Paul Woods, and District 16 State Senator David Langhorst, also a candidate for Ada County Commissioner.

The barbeque is being hosted by long-time Republican and former Ada County Commissioner Vern Bisterfeldt who quipped, “just because these gentlemen are Democrats does not mean they can’t do the work. I’m supporting them because they listen and understand.”

The event, which begins at noon on Saturday, will feature music, food, an AstroJump for kids, lots of games, and an opportunity for guests to talk with all three candidates and other elected officials.

Directions to the event:

From Maple Grove, turn west on Hackamore, then right on  Martingale Drive to 9779 Martingale Drove.

From Five Mile, turn east on Martingale Drive to  9779 Martingale Drive.

Commissioner Paul Woods won his first two-year term as Ada County Commissioner in 2006. He has a background as a civil engineer and has a Masters Degree in public administration. Prior to winning his seat, Woods was the volunteer chair of the Boise Foothills Open Space fundraising campaign, after which he was hired by the city to identify key foothills locations most critical for preservation. In addition to his seat on the Commission, Woods is the Chair of the Region IV Mental Health Board, a Member of the Treasure Valley Partnership (Ada & Canyon County Mayors and Commissioners), a Board Member of the Ada County Air Quality Board, A Board Member of the Downtown Boise Policy Advisory Committee, and a Board Member of the Regional Transportation Planning Authority.

Senator David Langhorst is a graduate of Auburn University. His background includes teaching, directing non-profit organizations, and running his own small business. He is currently a commercial real estate appraiser. Langhorst won a seat to the Idaho House of Representative in 2002. In 2004 and again in 2006 he was elected to the Idaho State Senate. He has served on the House State Affairs and Conservation & Natural Resources Committees; and on the Senate Local Government & Taxation, Transportation, and Resources & Conservation Committees. As an Idaho legislator, David has served on the Legislative Council, as the Senate Assistant Minority Leader, is the founder and Co-Chair of the Idaho Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, and the Treasure Valley Legislative Caucus.

Representative Branden Durst is a member of the Idaho House of Representatives representing District 18, which is located in South and Southeast Boise. In his first term, Branden has earned praise from many colleagues and observers for his quick intellect and thoughtful approach to the policy process. Branden is married to his wife Jaime, a teacher in a local school and has three sons, Nicholas (6), Broden (3), and Carter (1). Branden earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Pacific Lutheran University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Boise State University. Branden is currently employed at a market research firm where he has worked as a research analyst and now works in business development and community affairs.

For more information or media access requests, please contact Stacey St.Amand at 208-342-7547 or Ryan Hill at 208-921-8799.

Hear some music, help elect Nicole LeFavour

Finally! The temperatures have cooled down here in the Treasure Valley, and we're looking at a run of fine summer evenings just ahead. If you don't have tickets for Wilco or other plans tonight, head down to Hyde Park to catch some live music to benefit the Nicole LeFavour for State Senate campaign. Vocalist-guitarist-fiddler Jonah Shue and pedal steel man Jake Hoffman will play on the patio of SunRay Cafe & PIzza (formerly Lucky 13) at 1602 N. 13th St. from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $3 to $30, and all ages are welcome. If you can't make it tonight, you can donate to Nicole's campaign here.

Tax commish whistleblower sends letters

Heard on BSU Radio this morning: Idaho State Tax Commission whistle-blower Stan Howland sent lengthy letters to the media and to Gov. Butch Otter overnight, apparently alleging a botched job in the recent  investigation over whether the state broke the law by striking secret deals with large, out-of-state corporations over tax-bill protests.

This isn't new news, but it sounds like Howland may have more damaging information against state officials which he shares in these letters. Look for further reports in the traditional media, and remember that it was  a Democratic state senator, Kate Kelly, who pushed for an investigation into the issue. Don't you think we could use a few more like her in the statehouse next year?

Dems everywhere, even Midvale

Democrats are everywhere this year, even Midvale.  Jennifer Morgan, Democratic candidate for the Idaho Legislature for District 9, House Seat  B, was in Midvale for the 4th of July parade and barbecue.  Not only did she ride in the parade with fellow Dems, she served up food at the barbecue.

Legislative District 9 includes all of Payette, Washington and Adams Counties and one precinct in Canyon County.  It is one of the reddest districts in the state with Midvale right in the middle.  Midvale is not only the home of Lawrence Denney, Idaho's Speaker of the House, it is also the home of Jennifer's opponent, Judy Boyle, another far-right winger whose lobbying background and ties to special interests make it impossible for her to represent the working families of the District.

Taking on a ultra-conservative, in a conservative district is a tough job under any circumstances, but Jennifer is up to the task.  A long-time activist, Jennifer is part of the new Democratic movement, knocking on doors  throughout the District, listening to people talk about the need for change.  Want to help?  Go to www.morganforhouse.com.

Jennifer was in the parade with fellow Democrats, including retired Judge Wayne Fuller, running for State Senate against Monty Pearce, and Marshal Dickerson, Democratic candidate for Washington County Commissioner.  The float, made by the District 9 Dems, has been around.  So far this year, it has been in parades at the Fruitland Spring fair, the Payette Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Weiser Fiddle Festival.  Next it will be at the Washington County Fair in Cambridge and the Payette County Fair in New Plymouth.

Dems everywhere, 2008!!

At long last, big media 'exposes' Risch tax shift

Finally, finally, Idaho's largest newspaper has done a top-of-Page 1 story on what Idaho Democrats and bloggers have been saying for years: Jim Risch's supposed 2006 tax cut was actually a tax shift that left many working Idaho families - especially renters - paying the bill. Hey, it only took them 21 months.

Matt Yost sends message to supporters

Matt Yost sent this email to supporters today after the Idaho Supreme Court declined to hear his case. Matt filed suit after Secretary of State Ben Ysursa's office said he couldn't run against District 15 state Sen. John Andreason because he wasn't a registered voter in the district for a full year before filing for office.

The Idaho Supreme Court responded today and they did not act as we had hoped. We purposefully bypassed the typical legal route through the lower courts in order to receive a speedy legal response that would result in a final opinion putting to rest forever whether voter registration for one year is a prerequisite for legislative candidacy. We needed a speedy opinion in order to avoid any further prejudice the Secretary of State's decision has already caused the Yost for Idaho campaign. Unfortunately for the people of Idaho the Supreme Court chose not to act. The decision to not decide leaves the Yost for Idaho campaign without an adequate remedy since my legal team cannot assure a decision from a lower court for months, which would still be subject to appeal by whatever party lost that decision. Because it is unlikely that many would donate to a cause with an uncertain future, I do not feel that we can raise adequate campaign funding and fight a legal battle. Nor do I feel comfortable asking for money under these circumstances.

The Secretary of State's interpretation of the Idaho Constitution, imposing a one year voter registration prerequisite on a legislative candidate, is not published anywhere. After reading the Court's Order, you will see that the court refused to address this issue, preferring I bring the case before to the District Court first. Unfortunately, I have little incentive to take such an action. Doing so will not result in reinstating my placement on the ballot before November. Thus the Secretary of State's interpretation will continue without contest. I find it even more unfortunate that the court did not direct the Secretary of State to post the qualifications for candidacy more clearly in the future. By peremptorily disqualifying numerous candidates, the Secretary of State perpetuates and inflates the problem, leaving several hopeful candidates without recourse, since a legal challenge won't result in a final opinion until after the election is held. Solely on the matter of clarification, I find the Court's ruling to be disheartening. At the very least I'd hoped my efforts would provide clarity in the law so that others preparing to run would not be blindsided by a determination that seems almost arbitrary. The real losers in this ruling are the citizens of Idaho who are denied choices for whom to vote by the actions, or inactions as the case may be, of our government.

Matt, thank you for your efforts in trying to offer District 15 voters a choice this fall. We're sure this won't be the last we see of you. Meanwhile, District 15 voters can get behind Greg Funk, a young Democratic veteran who is challenging Max Black for House Seat B.