A national Democratic group is coming to Idaho on Saturday to try and help Idaho Democrats get a foothold in local races.
Kelly Dietrich with the National Democratic Training Committee says the fact that all 200 spots have been filled for this weekend’s training means Idaho Democrats are fired up. Dietrich and his group will lead Saturday’s event, and he says he’s seeing this kind of enthusiasm nationwide.
“There’s opportunity everywhere," he says. "Including Idaho.”
The last time a Democrat was elected to statewide office was in 2002. Dietrich says despite the state’s deep red politics, Idaho Democrats shouldn’t be afraid to run for local and state offices.
“They’re going to know that you’re a Democrat. You’re not going to hide that; you shouldn’t apologize for that. People want leadership. So we advise candidates: Don’t shy away from difficult conversations.”
Most of the potential candidates attending the training are from the Treasure Valley, but North Idaho, Eastern Idaho and Magic Valley Democrats will also make a showing.
Dietrich’s group is not directly connected to the Democratic National Committee, the party’s official organization. He says it’s a national PAC that’s funded by Democratic donors, with the goal of getting Democrats elected up and down the ballot.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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