OPINION: Blue or red? You have a choice Feb. 17

It’s not easy being Blue in a Red state. 

I’m talking to you: the silent minority, who might not feel a sense of community here. 

You go about your day, focusing on work, family or hobbies. But quietly you cringe when someone makes a rude remark about LGBTQ+ rights, education funding or President Biden. 

You avoid conversations about Trump like the plague. 

You watch, in dismay, as the local community college descends into chaos because of inept leadership. You see your property assessments delivered late, and then hear about the county assessor secretly recording staff members. 

Even voting for president seems hopeless — through a complicated caucus, the reigning political party has already decided the outcome for Idaho. 

In this atmosphere of isolation, it might feel like there is little hope for your home.  

Here’s the whole truth: While Democrats are still in the minority in Kootenai County, we are strong, organized and working tirelessly to make sure you have options in Idaho.

This coming Presidents Day weekend, you can choose between two ways to celebrate Presidents Day.

While Republicans will once again host their annual Presidents Day Weekend fundraiser, Democrats will offer an alternative. On Saturday, Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m., Democrats will host our largest annual fundraiser — The Blue Wave Democracy Dinner. 

While Republicans misappropriate Lincoln’s legacy by hosting one of the world’s most divisive pundits, Democrats are welcoming Jess Piper, a woman who has energized, unified and inspired a deep-Red district in Missouri to be more Purple. 

Jess Piper ran for office as a Progressive Democrat in very rural, very Red Missouri. Her experiences thriving as a Democrat in a Red state gained national attention and became the catalyst for The Dirt Road Democrat Podcast. Jess is also the founder of Blue Missouri, a grassroots organization that has revolutionized small-dollar fundraising for Democrats in deep-Red districts. 

While Republicans across town will be spewing anger, violence and culture wars, Democrats will be focusing on hope, progress and inclusivity. 

It might seem ironic for Democrats to defend a Republican president. Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Feb.12 is the catalyst for Presidents Day. And yet, the current GOP has become so twisted and grotesque that it would be unrecognizable to Abraham Lincoln and to most of today’s Republicans. 

Lincoln famously declared that our nation was, “conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” He also said that, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

In Idaho, we’ve seen the GOP’s character when they are in absolute power. They failed that test. 

On Feb. 17, we will continue to emphasize the message that Idaho deserves better through presentations from our candidates and advocates who are ready to bring change to Idaho’s representation. 

People are hungry for something better. The local exhaustion with chaos is palpable, and it is creating a wave of involvement. 

This year, we are super-energized, younger and more ready than ever to bring Democratic values back to Kootenai County. 

Kootenai County now has one of the highest percentages of Democratic precinct captain positions filled in the entire state. Democratic candidates are ready to lead because they are solid on the kitchen table issues, exceptional at debate, and even better at reaching across the aisle to find consensus. And we have more interest and conversation among community members than ever before.  

It’s not easy being Blue in a Red state. But we are here to tell you that there is hope for your home. A brighter future is coming. Are you ready to be a part of the movement?

• • •

Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee.