Posts with the tag Idaho
About the Author
The Idaho Young Democrats held a caucus meeting Thursday June 12, 2008 at the Idaho Democratic Convention in Boise, Id. Matt Kopydlowski organized the caucus in just a few weeks. Honestly, when he came up with this idea, I was scared. I've been to state-wide young dems meetings before where 10 people showed up and that is when I bring 7 of them. I was worried that it would be the same ol' group of young farts networking amongst ourselves, again. Just like in 2005, just like in 2006. But, boy, did I underestimate the power of youth this year and I am proud to admit it! Read More »
While many students are taking time off this summer to work or spend time with their families, just because school is out doesn't mean the Idaho State University (ISU) College Democrats stop being active. You'll find us all over the state of Idaho this summer. Read More »
Great News for Democrats, especially those in Idaho.
Jim Hansen has been announced to be the new Executive Director of the Idaho Democratic Party. We are truly blessed that he would take this position. This IS the type of man we want representing us as Democrats, especially in Idaho. Read More »
Jim Hansen has been announced to be the new Executive Director of the Idaho Democratic Party. We are truly blessed that he would take this position. This IS the type of man we want representing us as Democrats, especially in Idaho. Read More »
First of all, I�m an anthropologist. I love to study people. I also love politics and am a strong democrat. As a strong democrat, I am pained to see the division of the party right now. I helped at the caucuses in Nevada and saw it there. I have been at the caucus here in Idaho and saw the divide between Clinton and Obama supporters (the undecided and Edwards people were hiding in the corners). I am seeing it in my personal life between my roommates and friends, and as part of my College Democrat club. I see the division online like through the DNC.org partybuilder tool�s blogs, and I�ve seen it in my facebook groups. It hurts. My social groups are having in-group fighting. Behavior we would never allow during a normal year is being allowed. It hurts a lot to see your friends and fellow democrats form camps, circle the wagons, and shoot at the center. But I�m lucky I�m an anthropologist. With my knowledge of human behavior I can think through it and calm myself. For those of us who are already tired of the fighting, here are some words of relief. Read More »
To start?
I'm thinking over this plan to get the delegates prepared for the convention. I know there is a lot of communication going to be initiated by the state party this week to the new delegates, and I'm not sure what information the local parties already have because they sent in the forms with the delegates immediately after the caucus, so which counties were prepared by making copies before their turnaround of information is suspect.
I need to know more about legislative districts and the people in them, leading them, their base numbers and such before I can be the most effective campaigner, and state information receptacle.
To plan we need time and place, but really, the management part can be done by any capable, trained, and willing person, it does not have to be me, but I'm an fully confident of at least that ability in myself and it is time I let someone else gain that confidence and move onto the next level of community organization, a more information based and strategic position/responsibility.
Meaningful contact involves people plus information. The state party is the place I first look to for the information, but I may be unfairly directing my assumption of knowledge. I should be looking to those in my local area. Allen is knowledgeable but I don't know how yet to glean information from him, and what methods work for/on him. I want to know what a delegate will know so that I can supplement the information in a method that would be most efficient, but with the human touch. I want my Eastern Idaho representative; they are MY representative, to be examples of what can be with the motivation and work of some simple individual like myself. I feel as an anthropologist, that my knowledge of culture, learning theory, and development that I can create a model, but the most pressing point of the experiment is time. March 4th is Tuesday, and our pre-march 4th contact has been superceeded by my responsibility towards my fellow college students and getting them involved through the Frank Church event. The time to act is now.
The packets will be sent this week, and we know that many delegates will be replaced by their alternates. The event preceding this contact is caucus. The follow-up contact is�? Where does the county party come into this. Embedded into the success of the convention is the setting up of the neighborhood leader program, however it is still in suspension because it is not running, yet. This is a precarious position for the party, nationally and locally. It is also a strange place with a new ED coming in, a national election year, and the momentum for change. To figure out the beginning of the solution, people must be paramount. I'm not knowledge able with the consumer identity that is statistically created through information gathering. I would like to read Brad's thesis on campaigns run with commercial models. He thinks I'm joking, but it is important to break through a traditional modeling of voters as patterns of consumer behavior, and replace it with a new type of information based in behavior and ideals that may not be commercially measured. The will be some mixture of both that will be our magic number, but we are working in one direction. One direction is not the best way to make a trail up a mountain. We need something more dynamic and flexible to appreciate the journey, and make it easy and sustainable. It must also be capable of including people who are not such great mountain climbers but are on the journey with the rest of us.
More to this will come later.
I'm thinking over this plan to get the delegates prepared for the convention. I know there is a lot of communication going to be initiated by the state party this week to the new delegates, and I'm not sure what information the local parties already have because they sent in the forms with the delegates immediately after the caucus, so which counties were prepared by making copies before their turnaround of information is suspect.
I need to know more about legislative districts and the people in them, leading them, their base numbers and such before I can be the most effective campaigner, and state information receptacle.
To plan we need time and place, but really, the management part can be done by any capable, trained, and willing person, it does not have to be me, but I'm an fully confident of at least that ability in myself and it is time I let someone else gain that confidence and move onto the next level of community organization, a more information based and strategic position/responsibility.
Meaningful contact involves people plus information. The state party is the place I first look to for the information, but I may be unfairly directing my assumption of knowledge. I should be looking to those in my local area. Allen is knowledgeable but I don't know how yet to glean information from him, and what methods work for/on him. I want to know what a delegate will know so that I can supplement the information in a method that would be most efficient, but with the human touch. I want my Eastern Idaho representative; they are MY representative, to be examples of what can be with the motivation and work of some simple individual like myself. I feel as an anthropologist, that my knowledge of culture, learning theory, and development that I can create a model, but the most pressing point of the experiment is time. March 4th is Tuesday, and our pre-march 4th contact has been superceeded by my responsibility towards my fellow college students and getting them involved through the Frank Church event. The time to act is now.
The packets will be sent this week, and we know that many delegates will be replaced by their alternates. The event preceding this contact is caucus. The follow-up contact is�? Where does the county party come into this. Embedded into the success of the convention is the setting up of the neighborhood leader program, however it is still in suspension because it is not running, yet. This is a precarious position for the party, nationally and locally. It is also a strange place with a new ED coming in, a national election year, and the momentum for change. To figure out the beginning of the solution, people must be paramount. I'm not knowledge able with the consumer identity that is statistically created through information gathering. I would like to read Brad's thesis on campaigns run with commercial models. He thinks I'm joking, but it is important to break through a traditional modeling of voters as patterns of consumer behavior, and replace it with a new type of information based in behavior and ideals that may not be commercially measured. The will be some mixture of both that will be our magic number, but we are working in one direction. One direction is not the best way to make a trail up a mountain. We need something more dynamic and flexible to appreciate the journey, and make it easy and sustainable. It must also be capable of including people who are not such great mountain climbers but are on the journey with the rest of us.
More to this will come later.
this is an open letter to my county party for comments during a post-caucus meeting. Read More »
My thoughts:
First, to clear the air:
Why when writing this do I feel I must defend myself by beginning by explaining that I _do_ support Obama although I did caucus for Hillary when Edwards and Undecided wasn't viable. I caucused for Hillary for two reasons, A. I was trying to counter act those annoying people who say "anyone but Hillary". She has better policy then Obama (if anyone would bother to read it) and I wanted her to be voted _for_, not against. I wanted to make sure the universe was balanced, and it was something I was capable of doing. My second reason was for group connection for the ISU College Democrats who have been marginalized by the Obama people in the last few weeks.
On the topic of Obama, why can't I like a leader and still be critical of aspects of politics that is not part of an intentional strategy, and not endorsed by a candidate? I'm talking about my thoughts on this video. I am afraid that for even speaking out against such a beloved candidate, I too will be marginalized. I can like Obama without liking his supporters, and I have the right to express my healthy discussion of why I don't like his supporters. Read More »
First, to clear the air:
Why when writing this do I feel I must defend myself by beginning by explaining that I _do_ support Obama although I did caucus for Hillary when Edwards and Undecided wasn't viable. I caucused for Hillary for two reasons, A. I was trying to counter act those annoying people who say "anyone but Hillary". She has better policy then Obama (if anyone would bother to read it) and I wanted her to be voted _for_, not against. I wanted to make sure the universe was balanced, and it was something I was capable of doing. My second reason was for group connection for the ISU College Democrats who have been marginalized by the Obama people in the last few weeks.
On the topic of Obama, why can't I like a leader and still be critical of aspects of politics that is not part of an intentional strategy, and not endorsed by a candidate? I'm talking about my thoughts on this video. I am afraid that for even speaking out against such a beloved candidate, I too will be marginalized. I can like Obama without liking his supporters, and I have the right to express my healthy discussion of why I don't like his supporters. Read More »
I'm not a rules, and regs. player when I don't have to be but, realize the necessity for organization. Without rules, regs., laws, and by-laws we might expect chaos. Read More »
I'm attempting to consolidate supporter e-mails in one place, so I can consequently limit bold-faced campaigning to one place. No doubt that would be easier on everyone. I know some of you are already on this list, so I'll only post this once here.
The plan is to dump the Yahoo group with something less intrusive once campaign finances warrant it. In the meantime, you can also sign up by going to my web site: http://www.lanestartin.org/ Read More »
The plan is to dump the Yahoo group with something less intrusive once campaign finances warrant it. In the meantime, you can also sign up by going to my web site: http://www.lanestartin.org/ Read More »
Over the past few days I've been heartily endorsed by the Dine' Warrior. The level of the support is both surprising and confidence-building. I'm deeply honored.
In 1877, Chief Tulhuulhulsuit of the Nez Perce, one of the Native American tribes of Idaho, said, "The Earth is part of my body, and I never gave up the Earth. I belong to the land out of which I came. The Earth is my mother."
I'm not Native American myself, but I realize the ancient "don't tread on me, or anyone else" philosophy shared by many Native American tribes across the country still loudly resonates in the 21st Century as intelligent public policy. Read More »
In 1877, Chief Tulhuulhulsuit of the Nez Perce, one of the Native American tribes of Idaho, said, "The Earth is part of my body, and I never gave up the Earth. I belong to the land out of which I came. The Earth is my mother."
I'm not Native American myself, but I realize the ancient "don't tread on me, or anyone else" philosophy shared by many Native American tribes across the country still loudly resonates in the 21st Century as intelligent public policy. Read More »
The highest ranking Democratic elected official in Idaho at the moment is the state senate minority leader. We have none of the statewide constitutional offices and none of the Congressional seats. Indeed, some of the major offices have been continuously held by Republicans for over 60 years.
Further, apart from a group of maybe five individuals, there's no one who can contest a major race. At least six more need to step up. In the absence of action elsewhere, I'm making the effort to do just that. If more Idaho Democrats in better positions than I am choose to step up with me, then I'll reassess my reasoning for this at that point.
Read More »Dear fellow Democrat:
I'm considering a run for Governor of Idaho in 2010. I'm doing this knowing full well there are several precedents against me.
Idaho hasn't elected a Democratic governor since 1990, and hasn't elected a Democrat over a Republican incumbent since 1970 (Cecil Andrus in both cases). Read More »
I'm considering a run for Governor of Idaho in 2010. I'm doing this knowing full well there are several precedents against me.
Idaho hasn't elected a Democratic governor since 1990, and hasn't elected a Democrat over a Republican incumbent since 1970 (Cecil Andrus in both cases). Read More »
If you haven't checked out IdaBlue over at Link lately, you really should. Alan over there has made some very good points on water policy and Butch Otter recently.
Earlier this week, undoubtedly as a direct result of the Thayn domestic violence fracas, Otter's office set domestic violence policy. As Alan observed, "I'd like to see Gov. Otter issue a policy with real teeth."
Well, exactly. Read More »
Earlier this week, undoubtedly as a direct result of the Thayn domestic violence fracas, Otter's office set domestic violence policy. As Alan observed, "I'd like to see Gov. Otter issue a policy with real teeth."
Well, exactly. Read More »
I've heard stories of a guy in the Idaho Legislature in the early 70s who was known for wearing a bright yellow jacket and voting "Hell no!" on legislation. I'm told he's governor now, but sometimes I wonder if he's the same guy.
When discussing transportation funding back in July Butch Otter said, "Folks, I'm sorry, but we've got to have it (higher taxes)."
But now that the legislative session looms, Otter is backpedaling. He told a meeting of the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho last week he wants more efficiency and accountability from the Idaho Transportation Department first.
That's all fine and good, indeed an entirely appropriate thing to ask for, but the core issue remains. Roads all over the state are either inadequate, dangerous, or both. As I mentioned back in July, we could address this issue now, without higher taxes. Read More »
When discussing transportation funding back in July Butch Otter said, "Folks, I'm sorry, but we've got to have it (higher taxes)."
But now that the legislative session looms, Otter is backpedaling. He told a meeting of the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho last week he wants more efficiency and accountability from the Idaho Transportation Department first.
That's all fine and good, indeed an entirely appropriate thing to ask for, but the core issue remains. Roads all over the state are either inadequate, dangerous, or both. As I mentioned back in July, we could address this issue now, without higher taxes. Read More »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- W. Lane Startin, a moderate Democrat from Twin Falls, Idaho, has won the 2007 virtual campaign for President of The United States at U4prez.com. Lane Startin, a 34 year old father has won the virtual general election. Startin emerged at the top of more than 3000 average Joe candidates to win the race in a 3 way runoff. The 2007 contest began in February and more than 650,000 votes were cast to narrow the field to the top Republican, Democrat and Independent. On many issues Startin is a traditional Democrat. He supports gay marriage, is pro-choice, favors legislation to encourage reduction of green house gases, and notes civil liberties and education as two of his most important priorities. He was able to garner Republican support by opposing new legislation on gun control, and reducing the size and scope of the federal government where he feels the private sector can better perform the task. The virtual president elect supports Bill Richardson for President of The United States in 2008. Startin chose a more liberal Democrat, Mark Turner from Arlington Texas as his virtual running mate. A very strong challenge by an Independent candidate made the race close, while division among the Republicans on the site relegated them to third place. Read More »
Hello all:
The last day of the U4Prez "general election" is today. I'm faustus37, the Democratic "presidential nominee." Over the past week I've been recruiting people to the site to vote for me. It's been a solid grassroots effort, but today I need your help more than ever.
Unfortunately, the Republicans on the site have been pulling all sorts of dirty tricks. I've been called a liar, a cheat, a fraud, and even had someone "joke" about calling child protective services on my daughter. One can only take so much. There's also strong reason to suspect voter fraud. Read More »
The last day of the U4Prez "general election" is today. I'm faustus37, the Democratic "presidential nominee." Over the past week I've been recruiting people to the site to vote for me. It's been a solid grassroots effort, but today I need your help more than ever.
Unfortunately, the Republicans on the site have been pulling all sorts of dirty tricks. I've been called a liar, a cheat, a fraud, and even had someone "joke" about calling child protective services on my daughter. One can only take so much. There's also strong reason to suspect voter fraud. Read More »
After a few bumps, last night I finally managed to get my online fundraising up and running. Click here to contribute securely.
Of course, you can still contribute the old-fashioned way:
Startin for Idaho
282 Dubois Avenue
Twin Falls, ID 83301-4611
W. Lane Startin (D-Idaho)
2010 exploratory candidate, Governor of Idaho
www.lanestartin.org
Do you want to see Barack Obama live? Do you want him to pay a visit to Idaho?
Obama's Western Political Director is making a personal visit to Boise to see for himself just how many supporters Obama has here in Idaho. If we all attend and show our support is strong, we have a GREAT chance of bringing Obama to Idaho! This event carries the utmost significance and may be the only time we get a chance to show the Obama campaign how much we want Barack to visit Idaho.
Come show off your support for Obama to one of his top advisors! It's up to you now...an Obama visit to Idaho is in your hands.
Sign up for the event at: Link
Obama's Western Political Director is making a personal visit to Boise to see for himself just how many supporters Obama has here in Idaho. If we all attend and show our support is strong, we have a GREAT chance of bringing Obama to Idaho! This event carries the utmost significance and may be the only time we get a chance to show the Obama campaign how much we want Barack to visit Idaho.
Come show off your support for Obama to one of his top advisors! It's up to you now...an Obama visit to Idaho is in your hands.
Sign up for the event at: Link
Posts By Month
Posts
