Saturday, September 30, 2006

There Is A Reason

There is a reason Republicans win over and over again in Idaho. Well...there are lots of reasons, but one reason keeps smacking me in the face everytime I turn around. Democrats in Idaho are not helping the Democrats running for office get elected. Today I canvassed one of the more Republican areas in Pocatello. I didn't speak to that many people but the ones I did speak with had so many misconceptions about Democrats, even the conservative Idaho Democrats, I didn't even know where to begin and I really couldn't begin. I was at their door for Allen Anderson, James Ruchti, and Diane Bilyeu, I wasn't there to educate them on why I am a former (recovering) Republican and why I believe the Democratic Party is the better party for members of the Church, even though the national party supports a woman's right to choose and even though most non-Idahoan Democrats don't care if gay people get married or not.

I was elected in April as the Vice President of the ISU College Democrats. Due to a busy schedule, the President of the club recently quit. Essentially I have been running the entire club on my own for the last few weeks. There are hundreds of Democrats that attend ISU, and I would venture to say that most of the professors are Democrats and a fair number of the faculty/staff. But how many people are we getting at our meetings? A handful. The club has lots of friends on myspace and facebook, we have lots of people who say they are "College Democrats," but they don't attend meetings and they don't volunteer to help Democrats get elected. Democrats can't get elected-the party can't grow, unless we go out there and help these Democrats get elected. I firmly believe that when we fail to help a Democratic candidate get elected, we are only helping the Republican get elected. That is fine, for Republicans, but that isn't fine for Democrats! The very future of education is in jeopardy if Jana Jones doesn't win on November 7th. Yet I am not seeing Democrats out there hitting the pavement, knocking doors, and persuading voters. I have spoken to many voters, even Republicans, who fear for education if Tom Luna is elected, but these same voters aren't doing anything (besides voting, which is the most important thing to do, I KNOW!) to ensure that Tom Luna doesn't win.

So I say to my fellow Democrats, lets start working. The election is only 5 weeks away and the candidates need our help desperately. Find some candidates that you believe in and help them win. This isn't just about the future of education, this is about the future of Idaho. So get to work!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Personally, I feel a tad disappointed with the Democrats around here. "Conservative Democrats" ...? Stand up and stop making excuses for what you believe is right. How are you going to rally and inspire people if all your time is spent tip-toeing around issues worrying about Republican backlash?

Anonymous said...

Mirz,

Your comment is interesting, I'm probably one of the most active Democrats in Madison and Bonneville County. Yet, I'm not sure we've met.

I go out daily and I talk to people about the Idaho Dems platform and candidates. That's how I stand up for what is right. Yet, I am a conservative Democrat.

Oh and FYI, we're going to start knocking doors in Madison County. Please come help us, we could use it.

Jessica said...

I am not a Conservative Democrat, but I understand the need, for now, for candidates to label themselves at such. Small steps...first they will elect Conservative Democrats, then we can get the more liberal ones in office...

Jessica said...

Peter,

Jana's husband, Ross, is wanting to get a hold of the BYUI Dems. Has he called you yet?

Anonymous said...

No, Ross hasn't called me. Hey, shoot me an email would you? I'm curious about the ISU Dems.

Jessica said...

Give me your email and I will check in with you. I will probably see Ross on wednesday when we go place Jana signs around town...

Blake Roberts said...

My umderstanding of the term "conservative democrat" (when used in this context) means just that they are conservative when it comes to social/moral issues (abortion, gay marriage, etc.). Am I wrong?

Blake Roberts said...

I meant understanding, not umderstanding, sorry.

Jessica said...

That is my understanding too, Blake. Though I am sure it could extend to being Conservative in other areas, like fiscal issues, though Conservatives are hardly known for being fiscally conservative these days...

Anonymous said...

Jessica, my email address is vietpeter.nguyen@gmail.com

Jessica said...

Peter, I sent you off an email from my ISU account...If you want to email me your phone number, I can give it to Ross Jones so he can call you, or someone else in your club.