Erpelding stresses diversity, inclusion

COEUR d’ALENE — Idaho House Minority Leader Mat Erpelding said he is often asked why he is a Democrat in a red state, but finds the question itself to be an odd one.

“I should be asked why I am a Democrat, period. I don’t know about you, but my values don’t change if I drive to a blue state,” said Erpelding, who represents a district in north Boise. “And my answer might be similar to yours, but is personified by the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, who said ‘I am a Democrat because, everyone does better, when everyone does better.’”

Erpelding gave the keynote speech Friday night at this year’s North Idaho Democracy Dinner, a fundraiser for the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee, at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn. More than 150 people attended the event that, this year, focused on highlighting new, young people getting more and more involved, said organizer Cindy Algeo.

“We have a lot of 20-, 30-, 40-year-olds making the effort to show up and participate, and that’s just very exciting to see,” she added.

During his remarks, Erpelding continuously brought attendees back to something he said is critical to the party’s success — diversity.

“Diversity gives us opportunity. Our unity creates strength and allows us to unify around our common values,” he added.

The Democratic Party, according to Erpelding, is a “big tent party” and should embrace everyone who shares values that are best for all Idahoans. Embracing everyone, he added, also comes with valuing those who have differences of opinions, rather than those who “we agree with all the time.”

However, the coalitions within the Democratic Party are strained, Erpelding said, because they have reached a place where issues are pitted against each other based on ideological purity.

“We are at a critical period in our state and our nation’s history,” Erpelding said. “We as Democrats have to decide what we’re all about. Are we a big tent party that values diversity, social responsibility, fairness, and hard work, or are we going to splinter like the Republicans and conservatives have?”

Two awards were also given during the dinner. Larry Kenck, former Idaho Democratic Party chair and Post Falls native, was honored with the Art Manley Award — given each year to an individual with a commitment to the needs and values of everyday people.

Shem Hanks, president of the Kootenai County Democratic Club, was honored with the inaugural Rising Star Award, created this year to highlight the work of young people in the party.