We’ve Got Candidates!

Idaho County voters officially launch the 2008 election cycle on May 27th when they cast ballots in our county’s 26 precincts. With the recent departure of Larry Grant from his pursuit of the nomination for Congressman from the 1st Congressional District, all races on the Democratic side of the ticket are uncontested. We still need a strong voter turnout, however, to demonstrate support for our candidates, to elect our precinct captains, and to maintain our voice and voting habits. A special nod to several new precinct captains on the ballot in their respective precincts: Andrea Denton—Lowell; Gary Hamm—Joseph; Gary Johnson—Woodland; and Janie Fluharty—Grangeville 3. Here’s a quick rundown on other Democratic candidates:

• U.S. Senator—Larry LaRocco. Larry is a former U.S. Congressman from Idaho’s 1st District with a solid reputation for quality service. He is running for the senate seat now held by Larry Craig.
• U.S. Congressman 1st District—Walt Minnick. Walt now has an open field in his run against the presumed Republican nominee, Bill Sali. With Sali and Craig, Idaho wastes 50% of its voice in Congress.
• Legislative District 8 Seat B —Jim Rehder. Jim is completing the second year of his current 4-year term as a county commissioner. He is running against current state house member Paul Shepherd. Paul is one of the least effective voices in a largely ineffective state legislature.

When Jim is elected, the Idaho County Democratic Party Central Committee (that’s us!) will nominate three candidates to fill his commissioner position. Final selection will be made by Governor Otter from among those 3 nominees.

• Legislative District 8 Seat A—Richard Adams. Dick is a former Idaho state legislator, having served 12 years while also fulfilling his teaching duties at Clearwater Valley High School. His campaign and legislative experience will serve Dick well in his run against Ken Roberts, one of the state legislature’s greatest champions of corporate special interests.

• Legislative District 8 Senate Seat—Randy Doman. Randy is presently completing 4 years as a county commissioner and does not intend to seek another term. He is running against Lee Heinrich of Cascade, who narrowly defeated Democrat Scott McLeod two years ago.

Legislative District 8 is comprised of Valley, Idaho, Lewis, and Clearwater Counties. Note that all three LD 8 candidates are from Idaho County, which makes up 42% of the voters in the district. We have strong candidates with vulnerable opponents and an enormous need to make changes in the Idaho State Legislature.

• Idaho County Commissioner District 2—Shelley Dumas filed for this position. Shelley wanted voters to have a choice in the commissioner election and stepped forward to run on the Democratic ticket.

• County Sheriff—Carlos Martinez. Carlos is well qualified by both training and experience. He worked for the Idaho County Sheriff's Office for 5 years and recently returned from Iraq, where he headed a team of 32 police officers as part of the American mission to create an Iraqi National Police force.

We have great candidates working diligently on their campaigns. They need our encouragement, financial support, and especially our word-of-mouth efforts with our friends and neighbors. And on May 27th, our vote!