OPINION: Fighting for hope

Anger, resentment and being a victim can only survive so long as politically motivating messages. Eventually, people crave hope.

For too long, Democrats have watched our beloved North Idaho sleepwalk with terror toward authoritarianism and government overreach. 

Afraid for your children's minds? Lock up libraries. 

Afraid for your safety? Lock up immigrants. 

Afraid of losing your grip on political power? Lock down primary elections. 

Do you see where this is going?

In contrast, Democrats lead with hope, joy and progress — not fear. That is why our message is reverberating around Kootenai County and beyond. 

Idahoans are so exhausted by anger that this year has become a watershed moment in political history. A qualified, determined and talented Democrat is running in every legislative district across our state. And they are gaining traction. 

When we knock on neighborhood doors, we learn that the far right calling cards of fear and resentment aren’t resonating anymore. People are hungry for hope.

Democrats envision a future where our children, once grown, are well-rounded, compassionate citizens with gainful employment who have a reason to stay in Idaho. This hope is choked out by Republicans who use the government to restrict the free flow of information, scoff at long-term solutions for the needy, and remove all funding for higher education. (See https://idgop.org/party-resources/)

By contrast, local Democrats are committed to preserving and protecting the things most of us care about: education, access to our public lands, bodily autonomy and voting rights. (See https://bit.ly/IDDemsPlatform) 

We will only move your rights forward, we will not go back. 

All of this might seem like lofty rhetoric in a state where politics aren’t just Red, they are crimson. Many moderate people still feel that a vote for a Democrat is nothing more than a statement of principle, a wasted vote. Here’s why that is an ugly lie. 

Far more people than you might think share Democratic values. Voter registration does not tell the whole story. While Kootenai County might be mostly registered Republicans, most of these people are good, honest and moral. They want what’s best for the place they live, regardless of party loyalty. 

Unfortunately, the politics of fear and anger have pushed those better angels into the shadows. Most of Kootenai County believes that Kootenai County is religiously MAGA because people are scared to share a differing view. 

Start listening to people with an open heart, and you quickly learn that’s not the truth. 

People are convinced that they need to vote Republican in Idaho because they don’t have any other choice. 

But you do. 

Once elected, Democratic candidates will bring balance and unity to the Idaho State Legislature. These talented public servants have spent a lifetime working across the aisle to find common sense solutions for our communities. They are really good at what they do. 

You can do your own research at https://bit.ly/m/KCDemsCandidates.

Each Democrat on the ballot brings extensive experience in education, health care, building strong communities and public safety.

Each is ready to be a bridge between your kitchen table, your classroom, your community and the State Capitol. 

Most importantly, each Democratic candidate is fueled by hope for our future. You won’t see legislation that locks up your freedoms, you will see legislation that liberates. 

When we elect people based on their hope-filled vision for the future, instead of making fear-based decisions at the ballot box, we create a more perfect union in Kootenai County and beyond.

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.