Larry LaRocco reports on progress in Idaho
It’s time to check in with you on my campaign for the U.S. Senate in Idaho. It’s been an amazing journey so far in this open seat race.
On April 11th I committed 18 months to this campaign. On that date I was a "challenger." Today, I am running unopposed in the Democratic primary in an open seat contest. And there’s a bloody GOP primary underway.
Eight months ago I began my "Working for Senate" campaign and today I have 12 jobs under my belt working shoulder to shoulder with Idahoans. There are many more jobs planned before we reach November.
Eight months ago I asked Idahoans and friends across America to join me in turning Idaho purple and blue. You have responded. My fundraising is on track in this quarter to show a substantial jump over the prior two quarters, and more than 1500 contributors have jumped on board.
I knew I was fighting conventional wisdom about Idaho and its ability to elect statewide Democrats. That was my challenge and I knew it. My efforts to spread the word of a changing Idaho are bearing fruit. Once people focus on our explosive growth and demographic changes they then realize Idaho is also undergoing a political transformation as well.
I feel the "mo" and hope you do to. Democrats in Idaho have picked up 14 seats in the legislature since 2002. Six of those wins came in 2006. Last month a Democrat was re-elected mayor in Boise with 64% of the vote. Amazing!
My ground level view of the political world is different than the world viewed from 30,000 feet by some pundits. Idahoans want to take their state back.
Recently, a dear friend of mine, State Representative Nicole LeFavoure, considered jumping into the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. Aided by Emily’s List, The Victory Fund and others an extensive poll was conducted to gauge the sentiment of Idaho on a wide range of issues. I am hearing anecdotal reports on this poll that suggests the picture in Idaho is very positive indeed. Nicole has demurred and we won’t have a primary.
I am hearing that the generic match-up in the U.S. Senate race favors a Democrat, Idahoans believe the country is on the wrong track, President Bush is as unpopular in Idaho as other regions, and that more Idahoans are identifying themselves as Democrats than recent years.
Idahoans are fiercely independent. They don’t want the government reading their mail, they are wary of international entanglements, and they most definitely want someone who will work across party lines to solve the nation’s problems.
When I arrive in the U.S. Senate in 2009, I will be part of the clean up crew to put our country back on track. Many of you have helped. I know many more are sitting on the sidelines to see how this open race seat develops.
All I can say is that I have been off the sidelines for 8 months. I need your help to make certain Idaho in 2008 does not become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We have a great opportunity to expand our majority. Let's win this together!
Thanks for stopping by today.
Larry