Dem candidates join virtual meet-and-greet tonight

Three Kootenai County candidates running for the state legislature will interact with their constituents tonight in a virtual meet-and-greet meant to spread awareness about those running under the banner of the local Democratic Party.

Christopher Matthews, who is looking to win the State Representative A seat for District 3, will join 3B candidate Teresa Borrenpohl and District 4 Senate candidate Shari Williams in a Zoom-style meeting tonight at 6:30 for those interested in attending.

“It’s just a way to give more people exposure to our candidates,” said Phil Ward, precinct committee member for the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee and organizer of the event. “I think it’s just so people will know who’s running and what they’re about. I think it’ll be good to give these candidates some exposure to people in their districts, so the people can be more informed.”

Each candidate will be given time to speak in the beginning of the virtual forum. Attendees will then break into three group rooms, where each candidate will rotate through to give more detailed and particular answers before moving on to the next room.

To fend off potential agitators, those wishing to attend should email Ward at philipjwardjr@gmail.com for an invitation. A link will then be sent to the person requesting the invite.

“There are about 250 so far that have gotten the invitation,” Ward said. “We only did it this way to preclude those that are antagonistic. But it’s really open to the public.”

Matthews and Borrenpohl each ran unopposed in the May 19 primary. Matthews is running against incumbent Rep. Ron Mendive, while Borrenpohl is taking on incumbent Rep. Tony Wisniewski. Both incumbents ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

Williams won the Democrats’ race as a write-in after former KCDCC chair Shem Hanks withdrew. She will face off against incumbent Senator Mary Souza, who also went unopposed in the Republican primary.

“It’s important for people to learn about who’s running,” Ward said. “So I think having that face-to-face conversation, even though it’s virtual, will be a good thing for the candidates and the voters.”