PRECINCTS: Defend the chairmanships

Calling the underhanded move by local right-wing Republicans machiavellian may be giving them too much credit, but it fits.

When a couple of prominent Democrats registered as Republicans in order to have a voice in local politics, they did so after much consideration and for the express purpose of voting for Republican candidates chosen to run as Republicans. There was no pretense or subterfuge, just exasperation at the majority party choosing to close their primaries.

The stunt a local conservative and his friends have chosen to pull is quite another matter. Running right-wing conservatives as Democrats for Precinct Committee seats is an arrogant attempt to pull a political coup. Their stated goal is to influence the party platform and take over the Democratic Party in Kootenai County. Is this really the way anyone, regardless of ideology, thinks that we should govern? There is an unspoken expectation on the part of the voter that the person that they are voting for are actually who they say they are. This group is trying to confuse voters by co-opting the Democratic label under false pretenses.

While most of the precincts affected do not have an actual Democrat filed to run, such is not the case in Precinct 41. Cheryl Stransky is the precinct chair in the Coeur d’Alene precinct bordered by Dalton, Deerhaven, Government and 16th. Most election years would have Ms. Stransky as the only name on the ballot, and Democrats in her precinct could rest easy that they have a smart, energized, and committed Democrat representing them at the county party meetings.

Not this year, though. I feel the need to inform all Democrats in Precinct 41 — whether they vote absentee or show up in person at their polling place (Church of Christ, 6439 N. Fourth St., Dalton Gardens, ID 83815) on May 20 that Cheryl Stransky is the only name on that ballot who is actually a Democrat. She is the only candidate whose core values align with the core Democratic values of strong education, strong economy, strong support for families, equal rights and a reasoned approach toward moving our community forward.

Cheryl Stransky said, “These interlopers have values that are clearly not aligned with core Democratic principles.” One need look no further than their actions for her statement to ring loud and clear.

STEVE KANE

Current Kootenai County Democrats Secretary and Precinct 29 Chair