Idaho Democratic Party
For  Immediate  Release

Date:                  June  16,  2016
Contact:        Dean  A.  Ferguson

Convention Business: IDP 2016 Platform; National Delegate List

Boise—Idaho Democrats ended a lively three-­‐day convention at 1:30 a.m. Sunday. With more than half attending as first-­‐time convention-­‐goers, business started slowly as people familiarized themselves with the process. After a day, business speeded up and, before long, Sanders and Clinton delegates discovered common ground, and shared purpose.

The convention ended with an emotional show of unity as 336 delegates cheered (with about 4 dissenters) and adopted the 2016 Idaho Democratic Party platform. IDP rules state that our convention cannot adjourn without adopting a new platform. The IDP platform is a statement of the Party’s values and the Party invites every Idahoan to read it.

Other business included election of national delegates, people to represent Idaho Democrats at July’s DNC National Convention in Philadelphia. (Note: Several nonbinding resolutions were passed by delegates. Those will not be published until minutes are fully reviewed.)

Below, find the names of all National Delegates (20 Sanders; 6 Clinton; 1 Undeclared):

Sanders National Delegates
Yara Slaton, Boise
AJ Konda, Coeur d’Alene
Chelsea Gaona-­‐Lincoln, Caldwell
George Skandalos, Moscow
Miranda Gold, Eagle
Bill Parks, Moscow
Naomi Johnson, Boise
Justin Snyder, Boise
Brittany Ruland, Twin Falls
Caleb Hansen, Boise
Maria Alecia Garza, Boise
Jim Fletcher, Pocatello
Chrystal Allen, Boise
James Smart, Boise
Rick Tousley, Lewiston
Jordan Arellano, Boise
Bill Sifford, McCall
Cecile Perez, Idaho Falls
Gini Ballou, Hailey—alternate
Alonzo Statham, Boise—alternate

Clinton National Delegates

Caitlin Lister, Meridian
Jesse Maldonado, Lewiston
Ilana Rubel, Boise
Dave Bieter, Boise
Holli Woodings, Boise
Michael Armand, Boise—alternate

Superdelegates
Bert Marley, McCammon—Sanders
Pete Gertonsen, Waha—Sanders
Carolyn Boyce, Boise—Clinton
Van Beechler, Caldwell—Undeclared


__________________
ed. more details...

Clinton	Caitlin Lister	CD1
Clinton	Jesse Maldanado	CD1	youth, latino
Clinton	Ilana Rubel	CD2
Sanders	Yara Slaton	CD1	African-American, youth
Sanders	AJ Konda	CD1	youth,
Sanders	Chelsea Lincoln	CD1	latino, LBGT
Sanders	George Skandalos	CD1	latino
Sanders	Miranda Gold	CD1	youth,
Sanders	Bill Parks	CD1
Sanders	Naomi Johnson	CD2	youth
Sanders	Justin Snyder	CD2	young, LGBT
Sanders	Brittany Ruland	CD2	disability
Sanders	Caleb Hansen	CD2	youth,
Sanders	Maria Alecia Garza	CD2	latino
Sanders	Jim Fletcher	CD2	african american
Clinton	Dave Bieter	PLEO	basque
Sanders	Chrystal Allen	PLEO	youth, disability
Sanders	James Smart	PLEO	disability
Clinton	Holli Woodings	At-Large
Clinton	Michael Armand	alternate
Sanders	Rick Tousley	At-Large
Sanders	Jordan Arellano	At-Large	latino, youth
Sanders	Bill Sifford	At-Large	disabled vet
Sanders	Cecile Perez	At-Large	youth, latino, LGBT
Sanders	Gini Ballou	alternate
Sanders	Alanzo Statham	alternate	disabled

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2016 Idaho Democratic Platform
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

–   Preamble to the United States Constitution

We, the Idaho Democratic Party, believe in working together to build communities that serve the needs of all Idahoans. This platform serves as a statement of the values of the Idaho Democratic Party.

Idaho Democrats promise to uphold the protections granted to us by our state and national Constitutions. We firmly oppose any attempt to compromise those rights and liberties. Where those rights and liberties are not fully realized, we pledge to help everyone within our borders to attain them.

Government at all levels must be more responsive, accountable, and transparent for a civil society. We stand for respect, compassion, empathy, and liberty.

1. Idaho Democrats Demand Equality And Respect For All Idahoans. Diversity is essential to the well-being of a democratic society. The freedom to make personal decisions must be respected and remain private, including medical and reproductive decisions, religious beliefs, and political views. We respect Idaho’s tribal communities. We champion fairness. All people must be treated equally regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, immigration status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or age.

2. Idaho Democrats Support An Economy That Works For All Idahoans. We support job creation through Idaho’s traditional economic drivers, including sustainable agriculture, mining, timber, and manufacturing, while expanding industries such as technology, renewable energy, and tourism. We support effective public transportation, modern telecommunications, public infrastructure, and fair and affordable housing. We support fair banking, lending, and investment practices that enhance community growth and support Idaho businesses and individuals.

3. Idaho Democrats Prioritize Public Education. We stand behind the Idaho constitutional requirement for public education: “…it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform, and thorough system of public, free common schools.”

Public education must begin during early childhood and continue through higher education. We commit to providing high quality instruction for Idaho’s students by supporting our teachers and staff -- including competitive compensation. Public school curricula should prepare our students for the 21st century world. Affordable post- secondary education, including two- and four-year colleges, vocational and technical schools, and universities, that provides a pathway for students to graduate debt-free, is essential to all Idahoans, regardless of age. Investment in public schools and libraries must be appropriate, stable, and uniform throughout the state, and support infrastructure needs.

4. Idaho Democrats Commit To Ensuring Accessible and Affordable Healthcare In Every Community. Affordable, accessible, high-quality health care, including integrative medicine, mental health care, and necessary social services, is essential. No one in Idaho should die from a preventable illness or go bankrupt due to medical and pharmaceutical expenses. Idaho Democrats support grassroots, state, and federal efforts to fund and expand access to healthcare for every Idahoan.

5. Idaho Democrats Defend Participatory Democracy. Idaho’s government, for, by, and of the people, should reflect Idahoans and our values. Widespread voter and civic participation are essential components of a successful State. Idahoans deserve modern methods of voter registration, opportunities to cast their ballots, and ways to verify that their votes have been counted. One person, one vote is critical to the integrity of our elections. Those we elect must represent the people and be accountable and responsive to their constituents.

6. Idaho Democrats Demand Honest And Transparent Government. The activities of our government and our officials must be open to public view with participation by individuals. We require systems that inform Idahoans about the actions of our government officials and mandate systems that correct identified problems. Our voices will not be overshadowed by wealthy special interests and dark money.

7. Idaho Democrats Support Workers And Business People. We all contribute to our common prosperity and deserve a real chance to achieve the American Dream. We commit to equal pay for equal work. We defend the right of workers to organize, to bargain collectively, and to earn livable wages -- the current minimum wage is not livable. “Right to Work” is wrong. We support Idaho businesses, large and small, as they are crucial to making our economy thrive. Corporations must contribute their fair share and operate responsibly.

8. Idaho Democrats Support Military Service. We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower.

We encourage diplomacy before sending the people of our Armed Forces into harm’s way. We support the defense of our national security and the defense of human rights around the world. We encourage, appreciate, and support all Idahoans serving in the military and their families. We honor our veterans and support their successful and healthy reintegration into society. We will meet our guarantees to them.

9. Idaho Democrats Believe In Being Good Stewards. A clean and healthful environment, including clean water and watersheds, clean air, and wild places, is essential to Idahoans. We commit to science and fact-based measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change. We are deeply concerned about the potential dangers of fracking in Idaho. We support the humane treatment of animals. We recognize Idaho’s wildlife enthusiasts, including our heritage of fair chase hunting and fishing open to all Idahoans. We support protection of our wildlife and access to public lands. Our public lands must remain in public ownership and be managed to protect their ecological integrity. We honor the place of sustainable family-owned agriculture in Idaho’s history. We stand with the farmers, ranchers, and workers who build the land’s natural abundance, biodiversity, and resilience.