Update

May Update

May is a big month for Democrats!

May 3rd was the Clint and Michelle Stennett Social—and was a great success. We had an attendance of over 170 people. We raised money with our auction and spent the evening socializing and hearing our Democratic candidates. Thanks to Bev Robinson, Janie Davidson, and Karen Bliss—the committee members—and GG Luke who worked overtime obtaining auction items.

The primary election is May 21. The Blaine County Democrats voted to endorse Linday Mollineaux for county commissioner. Lindsay was extensively vetted by our committee to fill the spot left vacant with the death of Dick Fosbury. We believe Lindsay has the expertise, practical experience and management skills that Blaine County needs.

Blaine County Democrats also endorsed the school levy. Please remember to vote in flavor!

The Presidential Caucus is May 23 and will be held at the Hailey Town Center from 5-8 pm. The caucus chooses delegates to the state convention which will be held in June.  You can come by any time between 5-8 pm to cast your vote. Delegates to the state convention need your support.  We hope to see you there.

Willa Beriker, our Legislative District 26 organizer will begin May 13 with training in Boise before she begins her work for our district.  We are looking forward to working with her!

Coming up in June- State Convention and Pride Event in Sun Valley.

Thanks for all you do for Blaine County Democrats.

 —Deborah Silver, Blaine County Democrats Chair


Presidential Caucus on May 23

The Idaho State Democratic Party will hold a Presidential Caucus to select a presidential preference and elect delegates to the State Convention on Thursday, May 23. The County Caucus will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. local time and will be hosted at the Hailey Town Hall 2024 Presidential Nomination Caucus | Idaho Democratic Party (idahodems.org).

 

What’s a Caucus?

 The Idaho State Democratic Party will hold a Presidential Caucus to select a presidential preference and elect delegates to the State Convention on Thursday, May 23. The County Caucuses will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. local time and will be hosted at locations assigned by county parties statewide.

The only voters who can participate in the caucus are registered Democrats and Unaffiliated voters who sign a pledge that they are participating as Democrats and have not participated in any other party nominating contest for President. 

We will also allow anyone who is 17 and will be 18 by the general election date to participate. 

We will also allow people to register and change their party affiliation at the caucus location.

For more information on the caucus, to sign up to become a delegate to the state convention, or sign up to volunteer at a caucus please visit idahodems.org/caucus/


Blaine County Democrats endorse Lindsay Moullineaux

Blaine County Democrats are pleased to endorse Lindsay Mollineaux for County Commissioner.

Lindsay has the expertise, practical experience, and management skills that Blaine County requires for a thriving future. Raised in Idaho and trained as an economist, her experience includes working at the Federal Reserve, the International Monetary Fund, the City of New York, and as the executive director of the Environmental Resource Center in Ketchum.

Lindsay jumped full force into representing all the people in Blaine County, after being extensively vetted by our committee to fill the big shoes of the late Dick Fosbury.

Appointed by Gov. Brad Little, Lindsay has shown to be up to the challenge, not afraid to ask difficult questions and to lead with transparency.

Vote for Lindsay Mollineaux for County Commissioner!

Early voting is available through Friday, May 17 at the Old Blaine County Courthouse.

The Primary Voting day is Tuesday, May 21 when voting takes place in your precinct. Check your registration here: https://voteidaho.gov/voter-registration/


Want to Really Get involved in Grassroots Politics?

Election Season is Heating Up in Blaine County!

 Tuesday, May 21st - Vote in the Idaho State Primary Elections! This includes legislative primary races and precinct captain elections. 

 Find everything you need to cast your ballot here !

AND

Thursday, May 23, the Idaho Democratic Presidential Caucus takes place. 5 til 8 pm at Hailey Town Center West! It will only take a few minutes. Just stop by, vote, and make your voice heard! Note! Get more information and RSVP here !

We hope to see everyone getting out and heating up Blaine County! Vote Blue!

As always, thank you for your support. We are working hard to win back the legislative seat we lost in the last election AND keep the two seats we have.

A special thanks to our legislators, Ned Burns and Ron Taylor for fighting hard for the right of all Idahoans AND to our newest candidate, Chris Hansen, for stepping up to take back the seat we lost!

For more information on how to volunteer, visit blainecountydemocrats.org/volunteer. To support Blaine County Dems to GET OUT THE VOTE, DONATE here .

All D’s for Blaine County!

 

—Your friends at The Blaine County Democratic Central Committee


Contested Primary Candidates

Commissioner District 1

Chris Johnson (D), (208) 969-1225 cjforbc@gmail.com

Lindsay Mollineaux (D), (208) 720-6823 lmollineaux@gmail.com

 

Sheriff

Morgan Ballis (D), (208) 721-5516 morgan4BCSheriff@gmail.com

Steve Harkins (D), (208) 720-1060 Harkins4Sheriff@gmail.com

 

Democratic Precinct Committeeman

01 North Blaine County Candice Stark

02 Sun Valley LeRoy Hayes

04 South Ketchum GG Luke

05 Quigley Chantal Westerman

06 Deer Creek Lara McLean

07 NW Hailey Dana Dugan

08 NE Hailey Patricia Dorr

10 NW Woodside Pedro Manuel Miramontes Ortíz

11 SE Woodside Karen Bliss

12 Poverty Flat Linda McMahon

15 Gannett / Picabo Pamela Ridgway

April Update

Dear Fellow Democrats,

So many opportunities for you to Take 5 for 5B this month.

 We have Democratic primaries in Blaine County. The incumbents spoke at our last meeting, and the challengers will be at our April meeting. For Sheriff, we have the incumbent Steve Harkins and his challenger Morgan Ballis. For County Commissioner, the incumbent is Lindsay Mollineaux and the challenger is Chris Johnson. Our legislative candidates are running unopposed. Our incumbents are Ron Taylor and Ned Burns. Joining them is Chris Hansen who has filed against Republican Jack Nelson. We look forward to working to elect these candidates.

 All of these candidates are looking for help with their campaigns. Look below for contact information for the candidates. I am sure they are looking for help with phone calling, donations, door knocking and all the work that goes into a campaign.

You will also be electing the precinct captains for your precincts. Thanks to all the people who signed up to be a precinct captain-list below.

 Organizer: Great news, the organizer for Blaine County and Legislative District 26 is Willa Beriker. Willa is a graduate of Wood River High School and is scheduled to graduate from the University of Kansas in May. She will begin May 13.  Welcome Willa! Start thinking about the ways we can support Willa as she begins her work. There will be opportunities for door knocking and phone banking coming your way.

 —Deborah Silver, Blaine County Democrats Chair


Contribute to local Dems!

Blaine County Democrats needs your active involvement and help. We welcome you as a volunteer and we urge you to contribute to BCD. Your donation will help fuel the campaigns of our local Democratic candidates, all of whom are dedicated to addressing the pressing issues facing our region, from water and the public lands, to education and healthcare accessibility, to housing and economic prosperity throughout the Wood River Valley and the Gem State. By contributing, you're not just backing a political party; you're supporting initiatives that prioritize education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public lands. Every dollar you donate helps fund essential campaign activities, such as voter outreach, grassroots organizing, and candidate support, ensuring that our voices are heard and our values represented in local government. Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for all residents of Blaine County. Donate today and be a part of positive change in our community. To donate click here and to join us as a volunteer email blainecountydems@gmail.com.


Clint & Michelle Stennett Social tickets available soon!

Tickets for the Clint and Michelle Stennett Social will be available soon at blainecountydemocrats.org or theargyros.org. Admission will be $50.00 per ticket and $35.00 for those 35 years-old and under. 

And get ready to get your bid on! Auction lots will include a vacation at an oceanfront villa in Akumal, Mexico, Sun Valley Golfing for Two package, and a Summer Wine Party for Eight, and much more. Online bidding starts on Thursday, April 25th at 5:00 PM, with the final opportunity to bid by 5:00 PM on Thursday, May 2nd.

Your participation in both events will contribute significantly to sustaining our mission for 2024 and ensuring Democratic representation in Blaine County, LD26 statehouse elections and the pivotal national election. Please contact ld26democrats@gmail.comfor questions.


Primary Elections on May 21

Party Primary Elections to select party candidates for federal, state, and county offices are held in even-numbered years on the third Tuesday in May. Those candidates who receive the most votes during the primary election go on to run in the general election.

Your party choice can affect which primary election races you are eligible to vote in. 

In Idaho, each political party chooses which voters may participate in the primary election for that party. Your party choice can affect which primary election races you are eligible to vote in. Learn more about political party affiliation in Idaho.

Any voter may choose to vote on a non-partisan ballot, which includes ballot measure questions and judicial positions.

https://voteidaho.gov/election-information/

You can vote at your regular polling place or absentee vote. Start your request hereAbsentee requests must be done on an annual basis-they are only good one year at a time.


Presidential Caucus on May 23

The Idaho State Democratic Party will hold a Presidential Caucus to select a presidential preference and elect delegates to the State Convention on Thursday, May 23. The County Caucus will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. local time and will be hosted at the Hailey Town Hall 2024 Presidential Nomination Caucus | Idaho Democratic Party (idahodems.org).


Contested Primary Candidates

Commissioner District 1

Chris Johnson (D), (208) 969-1225 cjforbc@gmail.com

Lindsay Mollineaux (D), (208) 720-6823 lmollineaux@gmail.com

 

Sheriff

Morgan Ballis (D), (208) 721-5516 morgan4BCSheriff@gmail.com

Steve Harkins (D), (208) 720-1060 Harkins4Sheriff@gmail.com

 

Democratic Precinct Committeeman

01 North Blaine County Candice Stark

02 Sun Valley LeRoy Hayes

04 South Ketchum GG Luke

05 Quigley Chantal Westerman

06 Deer Creek Lara McLean

07 NW Hailey Dana Dugan

08 NE Hailey Patricia Dorr

10 NW Woodside Pedro Manuel Miramontes Ortíz

11 SE Woodside Karen Bliss

12 Poverty Flat Linda McMahon

15 Gannett / Picabo Pamela Ridgway

March Update

Take 5 for 5B!

Dear Friends, 
 
Wow, the election year is upon us! Joe did a terrific job with his State of the Union speech last week. Republicans have had their caucus and ours is coming up May 23rd! In the meantime, Blaine County Dems are gearing up and working hard for our local candidates. 
 
Not sure what you can do? Take a look and Take 5 Actions for 5B!

  • Make your voice heard! Attend our BCDs’ meeting March 25 at the Blaine County Courthouse at 5:00 pm.

  • Provide an auction item for the Clint and Michelle Stennet Social in May.

  • Follow our incumbents Ron Taylor and Ned Burns on social media. They provide terrific updates on what’s happening in the legislature!

  • Volunteer for the caucus on May 23.

  • Tell five of your friends what you are doing to support Blaine County Democratic candidates and invite them to join you.

The Idaho Open Primaries Initiative has qualified for the ballot in District 26!

Great News! This means that 6% of the voters in this district signed a petition to get the initiative on the ballot in November.  

The initiative will end closed primary elections and create a non-partisan primary system.  This will ensure that the winner enjoys support from a broad coalition of voters which is what we need in Idaho!

Congratulations to Becky Klassen, Team Leader for District 26.  This doesn’t mean that Becky’s work is done. Her team will still be collecting signatures to ensure the state total is achieved. Thank you, Becky!

We look forward to seeing you all as the election season heats up. Thank you for your support!

 

—Deborah Silver, Blaine County Democrats Chair


Speakers at the Blaine County Democrats' sponsored event on Reproductive Healthcare

Speakers at the Blaine County Democrats sponsored event on reproductive healthcare: Jen Jackson Quintano, founder of the Pro Voice Project; Mikayla Sundquist, board member of the Pro Voice Project; Ned Burns, District 26 legislator; Sheridan Britt, storyteller; and Dr. Julie Lyons, Wood River Valley physician and plaintiff in Adkins v. Idaho.

This past weekend, many in our Valley were buzzing about several events sponsored by the Blaine County Democrats. Three events, with over 100 locals attending, highlighted the critical need for reproductive choice in our state and country.

Jen Jackson Quintano of The Pro Voice Project was a featured speaker and also led a writing workshop, all with the aim of supporting women, and giving voice to their stories about abortion and reproductive healthcare.

Jen, based out of Sandpoint, has travelled the state conducting these workshops and turning women's stories into powerful stage productions. She reminded her audiences why these stories are so important, that this is not a political issue, but a healthcare issue that crosses political lines and that it is important for women and men to stand up and be heard on issues surrounding reproductive choice.

One of the most powerful speakers was Sheridan Britt, a local mother of two, who told her own story of pregnancy, a fatal medical diagnosis and the incredible roadblocks she faced to get a necessary abortion. Many commented that this is only one of hundreds of similar stories that are happening in our state and the resulting cost to mothers, families and communities as maternity clinics close and obgyns flee the state.

In all, more than one hundred men and women attended these events and left empowered to talk more openly about this too often taboo subject. As The Pro Voice Project says, "The healing is in the sharing. Both personally and politically. Dare to bear witness. Dare to be heard."

Participants Elizabeth Cashin, Jima Rice and Carol Gullstad

February Update

Greetings!

To my fellow Democratic Supporters,

I hope you saw our Democratic faces at the Empty Bowls event in January. What a wonderful event and thanks to all who came out and worked on it.

There was a huge community turnout (Mary Fauth estimated 300 people) and a big Blaine County Dem Committee turnout, too. We had coverage on flyers on all the tables, a big Blaine County Dem sign over the soup table, and all our volunteers wore their name tags which many people noticed too.

What a wonderful event! Thanks to all the Blaine County Dems who came out and worked to support this event! Their endeavors harmoniously coalesced, creating a ripple of positivity. However, to truly make a monumental difference within our community, we need more hearts and hands united in positive impact.

We would ask you to consider being a precinct committeeman. The filing dates for legislative candidates and precinct committeemen is March 4-15. By filing for committeeman, your name will appear on the Democratic ballot in your precinct on for the primary election on May 21. Precinct committeemen represent their precinct on the Blaine County Democratic Central Committee. Please contact us for further information. We would love to see new faces on the committee. Our committee has much work to be done in this election year. Plans are already in place to hire organizers for Legislative District.

May is going to be a big month for the party. The Clint and Michelle Stennett Social will be held May 3. The primary election is May 21, and the presidential caucus will be held May 23. Both the social and the caucus will need all hands on deck. We will be reaching out for volunteers for both events.

—Deborah Silver, Blaine County Democrats Chair


Open Primaries Update

District 26 is getting very close to qualifying the Open Primary Initiative. Please contact Becky Klassen to help or to sign! Email: beckyklassen1@msn.com


Follow the statehouse and contact your representatives.

Sen. Ron Taylor (D)

 

(208) 332-1353

rtaylor@senate.idaho.gov


Committees:

  • Agricultural Affairs

  • Health & Welfare

  • Resources & Environment

Rep. Ned Burns (D), A

Minority Caucus Chair

 

(208) 332-1174

nburns@senate.idaho.gov


Committees:

  • Resources & Conservation

  • Revenue & Taxation

  • Transportation & Defense

  • Ways & Means

Rep. Jack Nelson (R), B

 

(208) 332-1032

jnelsen@senate.idaho.gov


Committees:

  • Agricultural Affairs

  • Education

  • Resources & Conservation

December Update

Happy Holidays!

The holiday season is a great time to start thinking about our upcoming elections.

Blaine county votes for Democrats at a rate of over 70%.  That is the highest rate in the state.  Our county is a dot of blue in a very red landscape.   Our voters are the key to the election of our incumbents, Ron Taylor and Ned Burns. We are compiling lists of people who want to help during the election year. Help us maximize our influence by donating, by volunteering to knock on doors, write letters to the editor, make phone calls, and reach out to others to help.

Blaine County Democrats are fundraising in order to hire organizers for the upcoming election year. Already this month, we held a successful joint fundraising event with the state party.  You can participate with a monthly donation of $5, $10, or more.  Please click on the link below to make a one time donation or to set up a recurring donation.

November was a big month for Blaine County Democrats in action.

School board elections-our local party members were core volunteers in the election of Nora Roebuck and Lara Stone.  We knocked on doors, wrote postcards, dropped literature, and rejoiced at their solid victories.  

Signature gathering for Open Primary initiative-many of us participated in a door knock for Reclaim Idaho.  There was also an event held on election day. outside the polling places gathering signatures. Blaine county is over half way there in collecting the 1600 signatures needed in this district! Contact Becky Klassen to help or to sign, her contact information is 208-309-0366.

Be safe this holiday season!

Deborah Silver, Blaine County Democrats Chair


BCD Sponsors The 12th Annual Empty Bowls Event

Blaine County Dems are proud to be a bronze sponsor of the 12th annual Empty Bowls event hosted by the Blaine County Charitable Fund. This annual gathering is a favorite for more than 400 friends and family in the Wood River Valley. 

For just $25 participants receive a handmade bowl by Boulder Mountain Clayworks filled with a delicious warm meal donated by dozens of local restaurants and chefs on Sunday, January 21st from 11:30am - 2pm at The Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum, 100 Saddle Road. This year event proceeds benefit the host which is dedicated to assisting with basic needs of the local workforce struggling in our valley. 

BCD Officers and Precinct Captains will be on hand to volunteer at the event so we look forward to seeing you there. If you wish to volunteer sign up at www.empty-bowls.org or contact Mary Fauth at 208-244-5305 ext. 700.


2024 Legislative Send-Off

Start the year off strong and join Legislative District 26 Democrats on Friday, December 29th, as we send-off Senator Ron Taylor and Representative Ned Burns to the Idaho Statehouse.  Enjoy good bites and good company as the Blaine, Lincoln and Jerome County Chairs host the 6:00PM event at the Hailey Town Center West located at 116 S River Street.

Listen to a presentation from Ron and Ned as they gear up for the 2024 session and get a sneak peak of what it will hold in store for their District 26 constituents.

Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided and be sure to participate in a silent auction with items donated by local businesses. 

Happy Holidays,
Karen Bliss, Legislative District 26 Chair
ld26democrats@gmail.com


New Precinct Captains

We're happy to announce two new precinct captains.

  • Linda McMahon – 12 Poverty Flats

  • Melissa Graves Brown – 9 SW Hailey


Are You Registered to Vote?

Voting is a fundamental pillar of democracy, granting every citizen the power to influence the direction of their nation, state, and community. By casting a vote, you not only exercise your constitutional right but also ensure that your voice is heard. Visit the links below for information on how to vote in Idaho and make sure you are registered.