COEUR d’ALENE — Former Idaho Attorney General and state Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones recalled a time where Democrats and Republicans could “work across the aisle” during Saturday night’s Democracy Dinner.

“It was the idea that you could work together to do things that are good for the state, for the people, for the good of our future,” Jones said.

"Light Prevails" was the theme of the night at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, a yearly event put on by the Kootenai County Democrats.

The night’s speakers, including keynote speaker Jones, invoked former Republican President Abraham Lincoln while encouraging attendees to look to the future in a time of political uncertainty for Idaho Democrats.

“Our representatives are not the kind of Republicans that I grew up with ... that Abraham Lincoln would have been proud of,” Jones said.

Despite his criticisms of many members of the Republican Party, Jones stressed that he believes politicians will one day again be able to reach out across the aisle.

“There are good people on the Republican side,” Jones said. “People can work together. ... I think we can get it done.”

Some 209 people attended Saturday night’s sold-out dinner, which also featured a silent auction and catered Mexican food served buffet-style.

Brian Seguin of District 3 saw the night’s turnout as an encouraging sign for local Democrats.

“This is the biggest turnout we’ve had in a long time,” Seguin said.

KCDCC chair Evan Koch was similarly optimistic, adding that 10 Democratic candidates made it on to the 2024 ballot — up from previous years.

Koch said he is particularly hopeful when it comes to the next generation of Democratic leaders in Idaho.

“Not since Lincoln have (we) had such an opportunity to step up and save our nation,” Koch said. “I really believe it's the younger people that are going to save us from this ... We may be a minority, but we are not powerless.”