The four electoral votes in the spud state went to McCain. The spread was 61/36 again the state saw record turnout of over 650,000+ voters. Some pundits have estimated that represents between 75 and 80 percent of the eligible voting population in the state.
Since early in the 50s only one Democrat, LBJ in 1964, has won the state.
Gov. Jim Risch will be taking shamed Senator Larry Craig’s seat, no surprise there.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
10 days to go
With ten days to go the swing states are receiving lots of attention from the candidates and their surrogates. Idaho remains a Republican stronghold. It has been red for generations and there is no evidence that a new hue will soon come into view. A new Democratic grassroots campaign has yet to take root with these spuds.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Weekly Update
Julie Fanselow joined the Idaho Democratic Party just a month before Election Day. Fanselow an advid journalist and blogger hopes to reignight the state’s democratic base through high-level grassroots efforts.
Fanselow caught the political bug during the Watergate era, but didn’t have time for serious activism until the months leading up to the 2004 elections.
In 2003, Fanselow founded the popular blog Red State Rebels for which she won awards, along with Grassroots for Grant, a campaign website for House candidate Larry Grant, from the Northwest Progressive Institute. United Vision for Idaho named her its first-ever Progressive Blogger of the Year in January 2008.
Fanselow said, “When I moved to Idaho in 1989, we had a Democratic governor. Two years later, both of our U.S. House members were Democrats. We’ve won in the past, and we will win again. I know the Democratic brand was badly bruised in Idaho during the 1990s and the early part of this decade, but we’re clearly on the way back.”
With less than 30 days in the 2008 election season it is a Democrat who leads in the fundraising polls, Idaho one of the most Republican states in the country.
FEC numbers show Obama with a little more than $500,000, while his rival John McCain has raised just over $350,000. The McCain campaign dollars have been through traditional mail-in donation or fundraising dinner events. Meanwhile, Obama’s office sells all of their campaign materials like buttons and bumper stickers unlike most campaigns that give those items away.
Interestingly enough it is Mitt Romney who raised the most money in the state. “In the primary Mitt Romney was so popular in Idaho that he raised most of the Idaho Republican dollars and those are in his camp, and you may note that Mitt Romney has raised more money than Barack Obama in Idaho," said Sen Mike Crapo.
Current campaign laws states that Romney has the opportunity to keep the money he raised and use it for future races, or he can give it to other candidates he supports.
Fanselow caught the political bug during the Watergate era, but didn’t have time for serious activism until the months leading up to the 2004 elections.
In 2003, Fanselow founded the popular blog Red State Rebels for which she won awards, along with Grassroots for Grant, a campaign website for House candidate Larry Grant, from the Northwest Progressive Institute. United Vision for Idaho named her its first-ever Progressive Blogger of the Year in January 2008.
Fanselow said, “When I moved to Idaho in 1989, we had a Democratic governor. Two years later, both of our U.S. House members were Democrats. We’ve won in the past, and we will win again. I know the Democratic brand was badly bruised in Idaho during the 1990s and the early part of this decade, but we’re clearly on the way back.”
With less than 30 days in the 2008 election season it is a Democrat who leads in the fundraising polls, Idaho one of the most Republican states in the country.
FEC numbers show Obama with a little more than $500,000, while his rival John McCain has raised just over $350,000. The McCain campaign dollars have been through traditional mail-in donation or fundraising dinner events. Meanwhile, Obama’s office sells all of their campaign materials like buttons and bumper stickers unlike most campaigns that give those items away.
Interestingly enough it is Mitt Romney who raised the most money in the state. “In the primary Mitt Romney was so popular in Idaho that he raised most of the Idaho Republican dollars and those are in his camp, and you may note that Mitt Romney has raised more money than Barack Obama in Idaho," said Sen Mike Crapo.
Current campaign laws states that Romney has the opportunity to keep the money he raised and use it for future races, or he can give it to other candidates he supports.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
It's a race to the finish
What a week! The House Republicans failed the first rescue plan, the Senate passed though rescue legislation extremely quickly, Biden and Palin debated in St. Lewis. Here are a few local Idaho stories of the week.
Republican National Chairman Duncan paid a visit on the 30th. Historically, Idaho bleeds political red, which can translate into less political visits from the national players.
A printing error has been blamed for late absentee ballots across the state. The 6,000 ballots that have already been sent out will be corrected manually.
Congressmen Sali and Simpson, both Republicans, have differing opinions on the bailout bill. Sali voted NO twice while Simpson voted YES for both bills. Click here for a listing of how each Representative voted on the 1st Bill and Here for the 2nd piece of legislation.
LaRocco, who is runninng for the seat Larry Craig is vacating, has been busy visiting the University of Idaho campus spreading the message of change.
Voter pre-registration ends October 10th, still have questions about the process click here. Idaho is one of only 9 states that allows voters to register and vote on the same day so if you miss the deadline don't worry just click here to find your polling place. Remember Election Day is November 4th!
Republican National Chairman Duncan paid a visit on the 30th. Historically, Idaho bleeds political red, which can translate into less political visits from the national players.
A printing error has been blamed for late absentee ballots across the state. The 6,000 ballots that have already been sent out will be corrected manually.
Congressmen Sali and Simpson, both Republicans, have differing opinions on the bailout bill. Sali voted NO twice while Simpson voted YES for both bills. Click here for a listing of how each Representative voted on the 1st Bill and Here for the 2nd piece of legislation.
LaRocco, who is runninng for the seat Larry Craig is vacating, has been busy visiting the University of Idaho campus spreading the message of change.
Voter pre-registration ends October 10th, still have questions about the process click here. Idaho is one of only 9 states that allows voters to register and vote on the same day so if you miss the deadline don't worry just click here to find your polling place. Remember Election Day is November 4th!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
This week in Idaho Politics...
Larry LaRocco it’s time to throw in the towel and here are a few reasons why…
Your constintancy is unimpressed by your attempt to settle the score with Jim Risch. He lost the 2006 bid for lieutenant governor against Risch by 19 percentage points and is now running against him in the US Senate race.
Your own polling shows you down 48% to 23%
Your favorable to unfavorable polling…
Idaho is one of the few states that allows for same day registration. Recent research shows that these states see between 10 and 12 percent increase in voters.
"The Democrats did this so that I would have to make a choice between farmers and the middle class. I will not support any bill that forces me to make a choice between American farmers and American manufacturers,"said Congressmen Bill Sali. Democrats added a $4 billion tax increase to the congressional farm bill which would tax foreign manufactors to support federal food stamps.
The UK Times claims “black voters are changing the electorate map” saying states like Idaho are now off the map. The report comes as speculation continues on Obama’s campaign choice to spend money in states they feel they can win. There also has not been a national Democrat leader from the state in over 30 years.
Your constintancy is unimpressed by your attempt to settle the score with Jim Risch. He lost the 2006 bid for lieutenant governor against Risch by 19 percentage points and is now running against him in the US Senate race.
Your own polling shows you down 48% to 23%
Your favorable to unfavorable polling…
Idaho is one of the few states that allows for same day registration. Recent research shows that these states see between 10 and 12 percent increase in voters.
"The Democrats did this so that I would have to make a choice between farmers and the middle class. I will not support any bill that forces me to make a choice between American farmers and American manufacturers,"said Congressmen Bill Sali. Democrats added a $4 billion tax increase to the congressional farm bill which would tax foreign manufactors to support federal food stamps.
The UK Times claims “black voters are changing the electorate map” saying states like Idaho are now off the map. The report comes as speculation continues on Obama’s campaign choice to spend money in states they feel they can win. There also has not been a national Democrat leader from the state in over 30 years.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Fiscally frugal...
With the advent of major media marketing for political candidates the importance of huge fundraising efforts become imperative. The problem for many Representatives this year stems from the bowels of Wall Street. The American people are becoming increasingly more frugal.
Rep. Bill Sali’s throw back to simple, grass-roots technique that church groups and youth sports teams is refreshing. There’s a clever campaign strategist who even had Sali host a yard sale!
The effort was met with such excitement they are urging all of his supporters to host years sales with all of the profits supporting his campaign. These events are not just a time to raise a little change but are seen as prime face time with voters and allows for them to receive more information about his platform.
"Some people who are calling our campaign have never been involved in a campaign before," spokesman Noah Wall tells HOH. "They're looking for ways to help Bill, and a yard sale is a neat way for them to get involved."
Sunday, September 14, 2008
And the state goes to...
In the heart of country sits a highly conservative population who prides themselves on spuds. Idaho, traditionally a red state has been a no brainer for the GOP during the last four cycles. All trends continue to align the state as safe for the GOP and I agree.
All 435 seats in the House are up for reelection in November. Determined not to be embarrassed again, the GOP is feverishly attempting to insure incumbent Congressional positions. Both Representatives are Republicans.
“Wide Stance” -- The Craig effect
One of the biggest scandals of 2007, forever changed bathroom stall etiquette. Sen. Larry Craig (R) was arrested at the Minneapolis- St. Paul International airport on homosexual lewd conduct. Craig announced his intention of staying in office even after pleading guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. His seat, one of 20 GOP vacancies, could potentially swing Congress further into the “blue.”
Current polling shows the Republican Risch leading comfortably over LaRocca in the battle for Craig’s seat.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Welcome
Welcome to the state of Idaho's page for the Southern Methodist Election Project. The Corporate Communication and Public Affairs department's Political Communications class will be charting all 50 states in the Union during the 2008 Election Season.
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