Tables were packed at the Kootenai County Democratic Club meeting on Friday, the conversation jaunty, laughter easy.

With an air of finality, Art Collins stood to declare, "Obamacare is here to stay. Whether you like the damn thing or not."

But while the blue-leaning individuals were coasting on President Barack Obama's re-election, they had regrets over how their party and its reputation had fared here at home this November.

"China had its election at the same time we did. However, they're a one-party system. And Idaho, it's the same. It currently is a one-party system," said President Richard Kohles, pointing to how all local Democrat candidates were easily defeated by Republican opponents. "It's our obligation to turn that around, so there are two voices. Not so they're screaming at each other, but at least talking to each other."

With the meeting aimed at discussing the party's future, following the Reagan Republican version on Thursday, each of the 40 folks present took a turn suggesting changes needed for the party, the county, the state.

Ideas included a fiercer chase of donations and volunteers to support Democrat candidates, and seeking to make school boards less partisan. Democrats were encouraged to speak up, when immersed in a conservative-heavy crowd.

"We need to talk to outsiders, find out what our image is," said former state legislator George Sayler. "Why are we not doing better?"

Some pointed out that the Democrats are failing to tie themselves to winning issues, like toppling the state's three education reform proposals.

"The props failed, but everyone who supported 1, 2 and 3 was re-elected," said Ron Johnson. "Tell me how that makes sense."

Others cast out a helpless attitude, that the largely older, white, affluent demographics of North Idaho simply won't back the leftist position.

But Cheryl Stransky, who just lost her bid for a legislative seat, said she had been surprised how many county residents were open to her ideas when she went door to door.

"There are more moderate Republicans than I thought," Stransky said, adding that she started campaigning too late in the game. "Not all of the Republican base is crazy."

The critical issue, Stransky added, is for local Democrats to immerse themselves in more civic organizations and show their platform is more reasonable than what many Republicans perceive.

"We've allowed ourselves to be painted as a radical, liberal organization, and we're not," she said.

Virgil Edwards pointed out that Democrats have a real advantage right now.

The Republican party is fractured, he said.

"Even within the local level, there's a separation going on. The extremism, people being moderate, it's hard for people to find a place," said Edwards, a former Republican. "The crack in the armor has happened. This is an opportunity to find more common ways of working together."

Dan English, former county clerk who also just lost a legislative race, reminded the crowd that voters nationwide have proven broad support for Democrat ideas.

"We feel like we're in the minority, but in the country at large, we're in the mainstream," English said.

Kohles agreed, adding that on most issues, "Obama and Reagan would get along just fine."

Sayler emphasized at the end of the meeting that it's absolutely possible to change the partisan trend of the area.

"The Legislature has 20 Democrats," he said. "When I quit, there were 19. See? Progress."