Editor’s Note: We recently received a version of the note below from Becky Eklund of the Asotin County (Washington) Democrats. With Becky’s permission, we’ve edited the note to reflect an Idaho point of view. Regardless of which side of the Snake River you live on, the sentiments in the note are timely and compelling.
Do you wonder whether Democrats in Nez Perce County will vote in May and November? Some may be feeling ambivalent, believing that their vote won’t make a difference. But if we want to elect a Democratic congressperson and senator who will truly represent Western Idaho and the entire state, we cannot afford to be passive. It will not happen unless you act. Nez Perce County can contribute to statewide and Western Idaho elections.
Federal Government Actions
Consider the effects of Trump’s decisions on your family: tariffs, inflation, the price of food and gas, the sale of public lands, proposed cuts to Social Security, costs related to the war in Iran while at the same time firing a contingent of experienced generals, withdrawal from comprehensive health care plans, and Supreme Court rulings that seem to favor Trump, such as those involving the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, attacks on vote by mail, and presidential immunity from prosecution.
These issues have real consequences for our communities.
We Need Change in Congress
Congress is failing in its duty to balance power among the executive, judicial, and legislative branches. Instead, it appears to be complacent, often agreeing with Trump’s agenda. Our Representative, Russ Fulcher, is following this trend. We need to change the Republican majority in the House of Representatives to hold Trump accountable. We can help do that by electing a Democrat who will truly represent Western Idaho.
Russ Fulcher is running for re-election and has raised over half a million dollars to use for his campaign. That’s more than double the combined funds of all other candidates (Republican, Democrat and Independent) in the May Primary.
Jim Risch is running for reelection to the Senate. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has been silent about the unlawful acts of the Trump administration in Venezuela and the illegal war Trump started in Iran. That silence is costing Idaho residents in real dollars – gas prices are up, fertilizer prices are up. But Jim Risch is doing nothing to help us.
These scenarios highlight the urgent need for collective action and support to ensure democratic representation for Western Idaho.
Actions You Can Take
It was encouraging to see that more than 600 people attended the March 28 No Kings rally and over 100 participated in the May Day rally. Events like these are powerful. They foster a sense of community and hope and can inspire people to get involved.
But rallies alone are not enough. We must continue our support for Democratic candidates by volunteering, donating, spreading the word among friends, engaging on social media by following and “liking” their pages and, most importantly, voting in May and November.
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