Howard Dean to speak at Democrat luncheon

Former Gov. Howard Dean, progressive Democrat and onetime chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will speak at the ninth annual North Idaho Democracy Luncheon on Saturday, April 16, at the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Casino.

Hosted by the Idaho Democratic Party, the luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Dean will take the podium about noon.

"It's pretty exciting to have (Dean) in North Idaho. It's kind of a rare event," said Jerry Shriner, a member of the state party executive committee. "It should be a great event."

Following several terms as governor of Vermont, Dean, a Yale University graduate, served as DNC chairman from 2005 to 2009. During his tenure he enacted the 50 State Partnership Program and invested $450,000 in Idaho, according to a press release.

Dean ran for president in 2004 but did not win the Democratic nomination. He later founded Democracy for America, a grassroots organization that provides "campaign training, organizing resources, and media exposure so our members have the power to support progressive issues and candidates up and down the ballot," according to the Democracy for America website.

"He's a great speaker. I've always been a real Dean fan myself," Shriner said. "He's interesting, exciting, he's got opinions and he's willing to voice them openly."

Luncheon tickets are $50, and can be purchased at the door. The lunch will be buffet-style with 6-ounce steaks, barbecue chicken and vegetables.

Two days of Democracy for America training is also available for an additional $25. Over the course of three sessions, the training goes over community organization, political messaging, media relations, campaign coordination and other topics, Shriner explained.

The training is designed for people interested in running for office or participating in a political campaign.

To attend the luncheon, please call Shelley Landry or Sally Brown at the Idaho Democratic Party - 336-1815. Tickets are still available.