Written by Jim Hansen
Will Idaho’s Republican governor, legislators and county commissioners get away with dismantling some of our state’s best assets? Not if you work to ensure they are held accountable this year.
For generations, Idahoans have worked hard to build effective public schools, community colleges, and universities. They are critical to ensure good jobs in Idaho. We have also created public parks, public broadcasting, rural access to technology, opportunities for people with disabilities, human rights protections. This list goes on and on.
Idahoans are angry that Idaho’s Republican elite have left our families and businesses exposed to the economic downturn that has hit our state. Their neglect helped wipe out thousands of jobs and now they are preparing to dismantle some of the very things that help create and keep jobs in Idaho!
Republicans have had control of Idaho’s executive and legislative branch of government for 16 years. During that time, they gave away our economic security with massive tax breaks, tax shifts and tax cuts for special interests.
Many people are astonished at how these Republican incumbents can be so prideful and think that the voter anger won’t sweep them out of office?
They are counting on YOU – Democrats as well as Independents and Republicans who now prefer Democratic candidates – to feel too overwhelmed to get active and ensure they face competition in the November election.
Of course, they’ve helped rig the system by forcing people to file by March 19 even though the damage from the 2010 legislative session won’t be known until months later and even though the voters will not be focused on kicking them out of office until November 2.
So, it is up to you to decide NOW.
If you are not ready to run for the legislature or local office this year, have you asked the people you admire in your community to file and run? Have you told them this is too important to sit on the sidelines and that you will help them put together a campaign?
Remember, Idaho has a citizen’s legislature. We do not have – nor do we need – and elite class of Republican legislators who assume they will be returned to office year after year.
Yes, it will take work. No, victory cannot be guaranteed (most jobs cannot). But there are many skilled people in Idaho who can help you launch a campaign if you make the commitment of time and resources to run.
There will be a training program on February 26 & 27 for people like you who should run or work on a campaign this year. Other training and mentoring opportunities are available, too.
So, if not you, who? If not now, when?