Democrats seeking support for party

COEUR d'ALENE - Democrats don't get a whole lot of attention in North Idaho.

Richard Kohles tries to be cheerful about it.

"I do find it difficult sometimes to get people to understand democratic ideas," admitted Kohles, new president of the Kootenai County Democratic Club. "But we live in a community that is very positive and very enjoyable."

There's a way to garner support for his party, he added.

It's being sociable. And educational.

That's where the Democratic Club comes in.

"It's a club, and that's something that distinguishes us completely from the Democratic Party, while we share some of the ideals," said Kohles, who works at Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty. "The party is much more election oriented. We (focus on) education, socialization and a little bit promotion."

With newly elected officers this month, the group plans to focus on networking and providing education to boost awareness of democratic perspectives.

The chief goal for now, Kohles said, is finding more Democrats to run for office.

"Democrats don't have any current elected (local) officials. Dan English was our lone holdout, and Dan was defeated in the last election," Kohles said, referring to the county's former clerk.

The roughly 75 club members will be tasked with hobnobbing outside the group and bringing in new blood interested in democratic politics and running for office.

Carole Enna, new club secretary, said the group will look for individuals they consider qualified and have attracted positive public interest.

It's crucial to have a balance of leaders from both parties, Enna said.

"I think if you have one group only, you're only looking at that ideology and that ideology is running the state," she said. "The whole basis of our country is multiple ideologies and getting ideas from various people who have diverse ideas."

The club will also continue its tradition of weekly presentations on local issues, Enna said.

"The purpose of our group is to promote camaraderie, and educate on local health and environmental issues, some of which are political, some not," she said.

Upcoming speakers include Nils Rosdahl, retired NIC journalism instructor discussing journalism in Idaho. Doug Eastwood, Coeur d'Alene parks director, will also be discussing the McEuen Field proposal.

The other new club officers are Treasurer Jean Kohles, Richard Kohles' wife, and Vice President Mike Bullard.

The Democratic Club meets from noon to 1 p.m. every Friday at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill on Sherman Avenue. The public is welcome.

Enna said it's important the organization ensure all political sides are heard.

"We have to work very hard and be very passionate and spend time in order to establish a presence here," she said. "This way, they (the public) know there are Democrats here. We may be skewed in quantities, but there is a presence."