Fellow Kossacks:
My name is Lane Startin. I am a Democrat from Twin Falls, Idaho, and I'm considering a run for governor of this great state in 2010. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you.
Idaho Republicans love to campaign on the virtues of "limited government," yet these are the same people who refuse to lower the sales tax, who want to dramatically increase vehicle registration fees, and who promote utterly unnecessary and divisive social legislation. In Idaho, where individualism is a trait valued in the highest regard, why are our Republican elected officials so enamored with high taxes and "nanny state" legislation?
The time has come to stand up to the constant bait-and-switch of Butch Otter and the Idaho Republicans. I propose not just smaller government, but better government. Government which stays out of people's private lives. Government which respects the diverse educational needs of our youth. Government which truly promotes a multi-faceted economy. Government which acknowledges our rural roots as well as our urban future.
So why, in the heat of the 2008 race, am I writing about a 2010 campaign? There are two reasons. First and foremost, few places have a more acute need for more and better Democrats than Idaho. Despite the fact enthusiasm for Barack Obama is as strong here as anywhere (in fact, we delivered Obama's single best 2008 win to date right here), our candidate pool is seriously lacking. We have a fine candidate for Senate this year in Larry LaRocco, and two strong competitors in the First Congressional District in Walt Minnick and Larry Grant, and several outstanding state legislative candidates. But after that the bench is thin.
As of this writing - with the filing deadline less than a month away - there still isn't an announced candidate for the Second Congressional District. Several legislative seats are likely to go unchallenged as well (hopefully not too many). Had I not promised my wife I wouldn't run this year, I'd be right in there. Nevertheless, I intend to answer the call in 2010.
The second is based on reality. As I write this today I'm an unknown candidate from Twin Falls, a city which has never produced a governor in this state. In order to make a serious run, I will need to make serious improvements in my name ID as well as my fundraising between now and mid-2009. While I am committed to a race in 2010, I'm not going to run outside my means. If I don't raise at least $100,000 by July 15, 2009, I will not run for governor and contest a lower profile office instead.
That said, 2008 is the priority; please support this year's candidates first, especially those here in Idaho. It'll be easier for me to run in 2010 if they win.
In this age of record-breaking fundraising numbers, I'd like to make a ridiculously simple and modest request: to raise $1,000 by the end of March. Like Barack Obama, I intend to run a campaign based on grassroots and principle. To that end, I am limiting contributions to $100 per person or organization per year.
Please follow this link to my secure contribution site. I am on ActBlue, but they cannot support state-level races in Idaho at this time.
I will be at the Frank Church Banquet in Boise this weekend (UPDATE: the keynote speaker is none other than Kos himself). If you see me there, please drop by to say hello.
There's no way I can do this alone. Your support, be it financial, through volunteer work, or through sharing your expertise on issues important to Idaho, is critical. Thank you for your consideration.