The fight over who will chair the party is a proxy for the ongoing battle between Gov. Butch Otter’s establishment wing and ultraconservatives and libertarians who think the GOP’s gone soft. It’s also about positioning for 2014, when Otter may seek a third term and could face a challenge from a popular upstart, freshman Congressman Raul Labrador. At least 15 names have been floated, including three bigfoots — Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna, House Speaker Lawerence Denney and first lady Lori Otter.Will the Idaho Republican Party be able to find a unifier who can raise money as its chair, in the midst of so many internal GOP squabbles?
Friday, May 25, 2012
Democrats Outraise Republicans in (drumroll) ... Idaho!!!
Crossposted on 43rd State Blues
Here is a fun stat for the week:
In a state where Republicans control 81 percent of the Legislature and all statewide and congressional offices, the Democratic party outraised the GOP in 2011 and 2012, $218,000 to $161,000, according to Dan Popkey of the Idaho Statesman.
Popkey attributes this fundraising lag to the fact that a distracted GOP chair Norm Semanko, who is stepping down, was distracted as he focused on a failed effort to get himself elected Eagle mayor; and his lawyer/lobbying practice.
So who will be able to step in and get the job done for the Good Ol Boys Party?
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Mat Erpelding: Leadership to Move Idaho Forward
An educator, business owner, political activist, high-altitude mountain guide, and former developmental therapist, Mat Erpelding represents the progressive ideologies embodied by the communities in District 19. Mat is an emerging leader in the Idaho Democratic Party, and currently serves as the Ada County Democratic Party Vice Chairman. At the 2012 Frank Church Banquet, Mat was recognized as an Idaho Democratic Party Activist of the Year.
In 2010 Mat was awarded Instructor of the Year from the Wilderness Education Association for his contributions to experiential education, wilderness ethics and leadership. Mat is passionate about protecting our open spaces and public lands. He believes that access to public lands and wild places is essential to developing strong beliefs in sustainable practices.
Mat believes in the value of collaboration and accountability. He has a long history of taking important leadership risks because he believes that individuals do make a difference. As your representative, he will continue the long tradition of effective and progressive leadership consistent with the standards of District 19 residents. Mat believes that our ethical concerns, our economic woes, our educational system, and our environment are issues that cannot be ignored any longer in Idaho, and he has the vision and the leadership experience to move Idaho forward.
Representative Brian Cronin (pictured with Mat above) Endorsed Mat Erpelding
"Mat will act as a steward for progressive legislation, and has the tenacity required by any Democrat in the Idaho Legislature. Mat has been working to build the party behind-the-scenes for several years, and understands that in Idaho, building a strong Democratic party outside of Ada County is essential. Mat has a breadth and depth of leadership experience that will be beneficial to District 19 and to all of Idaho." - Brian Cronin***
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