© 2025 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Protect my public media

Idaho Democrats To Host Training For Possible Candidates Saturday

Nicole Blanchard
/
Idaho Statesman
A group sits on the steps of the state capitol before the Jan. 21, 2018 women's march in downtown Boise. Idaho Democrats say they're seeing activism turn into an interest in running for office.

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

Copyright 2018 Boise State Public Radio

 

 

Frankie Barnhill was the Senior Producer of Idaho Matters, Boise State Public Radio's daily show and podcast.

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.