Historic election electrifies local Democrats

By MIKE WELAND

For the Herald

Over 140 Boundary County Democrats braved a heavy fall of snow Tuesday evening to participate in what was easily the most well-attended local Democratic caucuses in memory, with Barack Obama the clear favorite from the outset.

Boundary County will send three delegates to Boise in June for the Idaho Democratic Convention, two for Obama and one for Hillary Clinton.

"I didn't know there were this many Democrats in the county," said Adarah Dancer. "I registered as a Democrat here 20 years ago, and I felt like I was the only one in the county."

Many said they never knew Idaho held a caucus, but the historical significance of this year's election changed that, drawing even a few Republicans and at least one family from Europe, just there to watch.

Didier Balcaen, his wife and two children, ages 13 and 8, are in the United States from Belgium, and said the chance to witness such an important event at the local level was a great experience as well as a good education for the kids.

"This is one of the most important elections for the United States, considering the country is almost in crisis with the war and the economy," Balcaen said. "People in Europe are watching closely."

Though the caucusing didn't begin until 7 p.m., more than 50 people were in Memorial Hall for a chili feed by 5:30 — almost as many as turned out in total for the 2004 caucus.

By the time the doors closed at the start of the caucus, 145 pledged and enthusiastic county Democrats had signed in; 84 percent in the Obama camp; 29 percent in the Clinton; 4 percent favoring John Edwards even though he has already dropped out of the race, and 24 percent undecided.

With Boundary County Democratic Central Committee Chair Linda Langness acting as emcee, representatives for each group selected a few to speak.

Those favoring Clinton cited her leadership on a national health care program, political and foreign policy experience, stance on public education and plans to rebuild relations with foreign countries so as to rebuild the U.S. economy.

"I think Barack would seriously consider running as vice president if Hillary gets the nomination," one Clinton supporter said.

"Change without direction is just spinning," another added.

A 22-year-old said he doesn't remember a time without either a Clinton or a Bush in the Oval Office, setting the stage for an outpouring of local support for Obama. Key points including his never having supported war in Iraq, ability to bring disparate groups of people together to work toward a common goal, honesty, integrity and charisma.

"His stance on the war shows he approaches things with a different thought process," said one supporter. "He is rare in that he doesn't see war as a solution."

"Hillary would be a good President for the world the way it was," said another. "Barack sees the future."

Included in the Obama camp were many young faces, several taking part in the electoral process for the first time. Jake Watt, a senior at Bonners Ferry High School, would likely have exercised his civic right regardless, but Obama, he said, ensured his participation.

"Obama stands for change," the 18-year-old said. "He's super intelligent and he seems sincere."

Being involved in the caucus and supporting Obama has been invigorating, Watt said.

"Everyone is talking about it," he noted.

"This election is attracting the young," said one more senior attendee. "There has been a deep cynicism among the young and maybe he (Obama) can be the one to break through."

While Edwards supporters conceded that showing him support might seem futile, they felt strongly enough about his message while he was in contention to stand for him, albeit only for a short time.

"John Edwards raised real concerns on issues including the economy, on peace and on poverty," an Edwards supporter said. "He made the other candidates be more specific on those issues, and that's not a small thing. He brought up issues in a way people could understand."

Even those who were undecided had their say.

"I'm baffled," one said. "Both candidates would make a great President, but which would be best for those in this room?"

When the dust settled, 106 Democrats stood in the Obama camp, 36 in Clintons' and three remained undecided.