If you are a progressive in this valley, you maybe lost interest in politics years ago. In 2004, if you thought your Democratic vote in Idaho was pointless, you were right.
But that was then, and this is now. And this year, Idaho's Democrats are relevant, suddenly, shockingly relevant.
On Tuesday night, Feb. 5, Idaho holds Democratic caucuses statewide. Our caucus determines which Democrat is nominated for president.
Here in Blaine County, every vote will count. To win the county outright, a candidate needs just 320 votes. As the national bout between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama staggers towards a stalemate, Idaho's importance builds. Just think, if California and New York split down the center, Idaho's delegates could well tip the national balance.
With six campaign offices running here, Obama has not forsaken Idaho. He is looking to progressive places like Blaine County to propel his historic run.
Before the Feb. 5 caucus, Idaho Democrats need to think about who will be the most "electable" in November. Barack Obama is the one who can win. Time and again he's proven he can reach across the aisle to get things done. National polls show that it's not only Democrats who like him, but independents and Republicans as well. Barack Obama will help Democrats get elected all across the country--especially in conservative Idaho. So Barack Obama won't just win an election, he'll win a new majority for change, so we can finally solve the problems we've been talking about for decades.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Feb. 5. Caucus doors open at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Hailey Community Campus.
Michael Ames
Ketchum
