Thanks to the volunteers that showed their Democratic pride at the Independence Day parade in Hailey!
A word from our Chair
I can’t believe the Fourth is over and we are in the heat of summer. Blaine County Dems came out in force and made our voices heard at the Hailey Fourth of July parade! I am truly inspired by all the folks that showed up and stood up!
Grass Roots Democracy in Action!
Thanks to all the Blaine County delegates who made the pilgrimage to Moscow for our state Democratic convention in June. We finalized our state party platform and elected delegates to the National Convention coming up in August in Chicago. Three representatives from Blaine County were elected to the National Convention: Aimee Christensen, Jim Fabe and myself, and we are all pledged candidates for President Joe Biden. I have to say, we may see more fireworks at the convention!
It is worth your time to take a look at our Idaho Democratic party platform.
It makes me proud that we stand for:
A quality education for every Idaho student
An economy that works for everyone
Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for All
Quality and Accessible Health Care for All
Strengthening Our Democracy
And, as a contrast, take a look at the Idaho Republican platform. It’s chilling to say the least. Open carry, abortion is murder, God in schools and government, and so many other EXTREMIST positions. Yikes!
IT IS CLEAR - WE MUST WORK HARD TO GET OUR LOCAL AND NATIONAL CANDIDATES ELECTED!
Your local support and involvement sends a message to the far right in Idaho and sends a message to our courageous candidates that are willing to stand up to this madness!
We need lots of help in lots of different ways. Every action you take makes a difference!
And as always, please support our local candidates with a donation.
Thank you!
Deborah Silver, Blaine County Democratic Chair
Team Hansen Passes Out Peanuts, Plans Goat Rodeo
Chris Hansen took a suggestion and passed out peanuts to the gathered revelers at the Hailey Fourth of July Parade. “My dad suggested it, and the more I thought about it, the more it made sense,” said the high school teacher and candidate for Idaho Representative in District 26B. "The peanut is a nutritional powerhouse, affordable, and can be used to corral elephants that have run amok.” Team Hansen was joined by four different team members under the age of 6 for the parade, and thoroughly enjoyed the outpouring of support from volunteers Erin and Tom Howland and Nate Twichell.
Next up for Hansen is a series of house parties in Hailey and Ketchum, as the political newcomer tries to meet his fundraising goal by the end of July. The part-time goat handler also announced the 1st Annual Rancho Golden Huevo Goat Rodeo as a campaign launch for volunteers and supporters. More details to follow at hansenforIdaho.com and on Facebook.
A Note from Ron Taylor
Ron will be representing Idaho later this month during the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Annual Conference. He’s been busy campaigning! Here, he is pausing for a moment to enjoy a little fun with his family at our state’s capital.
How Red State Democrats Can Impact Purple State Victories
Many Democrats in Blaine County have moved from blue and purple states and friends tell us they some times feel isolated in Idaho’s predominantly Republican landscape. We understand but your political engagement is crucial both locally and beyond Idaho. Purple states, with their delicate political balance, can greatly benefit from your activism.
Being a Democrat in a red state doesn't mean your voice is powerless. Through remote volunteering, financial support, social media advocacy, and more, you can influence elections in purple states and support Democratic candidates.
Your efforts contribute to a balanced political landscape and the success of progressive policies. Every action counts, both in Blaine County and nationwide.
Here are ways you can connect:
Make new Democratic friends! Join Us at the the “Fun”raiser at Rheinheimer Ranch on July 14th at 4 pm! (Just south of Ketchum - look for the balloons!) And while you’re there, ask some old timers about the Blue Girls Group!
Donate to Key Campaigns: Small donations to competitive races in purple states can significantly aid Democratic candidates.
Engage in Social Media Advocacy: Share and amplify Democratic candidates’ posts to boost their visibility.
Encourage Friends and Family: Motivate your contacts in purple states to get involved and vote.
Engage in Cross-State Collaboration: Coordinate with Democratic groups in purple states to strengthen campaigns.
Participate in Virtual Events and Town Halls: Engage in online events to support and learn about candidates in purple states.
Support Local GOTV Efforts: Volunteer with organizations focused on increasing voter turnout in swing states.
Volunteer Remotely: Use technology to make calls, send texts, and write postcards for campaigns in swing states.
Write Letters to the Editor: Influence public opinion by writing letters supporting Democratic candidates in purple states.
Stay Informed and Educate Others: Share reliable political information to combat misinformation and encourage voting.
Join National Organizations: Stay informed and find opportunities to contribute beyond Idaho through groups like:
GiveGreen channels donations to candidates and causes that prioritize environmental policies and climate action.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee works to elect Democrats to state legislatures across the country, with a focus on flipping seats in purple states.
Swing Left works to flip seats in the House, Senate, and state legislatures, particularly in swing districts and states.
Indivisible holds elected officials accountable and advocates for policy changes, supports candidates through direct action, and provides training and resources.
Emily's List elects pro-choice Democratic women at all levels of government by providing financial support, training, and strategic guidance to female candidates, with a focus on competitive races.
ActBlue facilitates online fundraising for campaigns, allowing donors to contribute easily to multiple candidates and causes.
Fair Fight Action focuses on promoting fair elections and combating voter suppression.
Support Vulnerable Democratic Incumbents in 2024
US Senate: Focus on helping Jon Tester (Montana); Sherrod Brown (Ohio); Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin); Jacky Rosen (Nevada) and Bob Casey (Pennsylvania).
US House: Aid the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) "Frontline" program by supporting incumbents in competitive districts: Mary Peltola (AK-AL); Mike Levin (CA-49); Yadira Caraveo (CO-08); Jahana Hayes (CT-05); Nikki Budzinski (IL-13); Eric Sorensen (IL-17); Frank Mrvan (IN-01); Sharice Davids (KS-03); Jared Golden (ME-02); Hillary Scholten (MI-03); Dan Kildee (MI-08); Angie Craig (MN-02); Susie Lee (NV-03); Steven Horsford (NV-04); Chris Pappas (NH-01); Gabriel Vasquez (NM-02); Pat Ryan (NY-18); Don Davis (NC-01); Wiley Nickel (NC-13); Greg Landsman (OH-01); Marcy Kaptur (OH-09); Emilia Sykes (OH-13); Andrea Salinas (OR-06); Susan Wild (PA-07); Matt Cartwright (PA-08); Chris Deluzio (PA-17); Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03); and Kim Schrier (WA-08).
