Idaho Democrats Caucus, Choose Delegates

Idaho Democrats caucused across the state today.

Unlike Republicans who had big decisions to make in a tight presidential nomination contest, the priority for members of the blue party was selecting delegates for the state convention.

From a show of hands in Bannock County to individual “ayes” in Bonneville, Democrats declared unanimous support for President Barack Obama’s re-election.

“Because he’s more people oriented than special interest oriented,” said Bonneville participant Adrian Hill.

“Because of healthcare,” said Donna Malloy.

It was Malloy’s first ever caucus. Zac Radford, 18, was a rookie too.

“I thought it was an interesting process,” said Radford. “It worked really well.”

But the few dozen who turned out in each Bannock and Bonneville counties paled in comparison to four years ago.

“When there was an exciting race between Hillary (Clinton) and Barack Obama,” said Douglas Wilson, chair of the Bannock County caucus. “It just depends on whether there’s a contest or not.”

The most important order of business was selecting delegates to represent each county at the state convention. The number of delegates varies, from one in smaller counties to 128 in Ada.

Bannock County got 25.

“Most of the people here aspire to be candidates,” said Nilson. “As it turned out, everyone who wanted to be was able to be a delegate.”

One by one as arms shot up in Bonneville, the county filled 20 of its 23 spots. Adrian and Dolores Hill nominated each other.

“Because we do things together and we drive to the same places,” said Adrian Hill. “We’re a natural car pool.”

Delegates like the hills will also participate in bringing new ideas to the state’s Democratic party platform.

“I think it’ll be very interesting,” said Dolores Hill.

Idaho’s Democratic Convention is June 14-15 in Boise.

If voters couldn’t attend Saturday’s caucus, but would like to be a delegate, they can contact their local committee chair. If a county didn’t fill all of its delegate slots at the caucus, people who didn’t attend can still be appointed.