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IDP Chairman Resigns

IDP Chairman Resigns

Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings

 and wife look forward to travel, time with family

 BOISE, Idaho – After weeks of wrestling with his conscience and his calendar, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Richard Stallings decided today that it would be best for both his family and the organization that he step down from his role with the party.

“For many decades now I’ve been privileged to have the opportunity to be a leader and a worker in the Idaho Democratic Party,” Stallings said. “And I’ve never seen a time where the opportunities for our party are as abundant as they are right now. As we approach 2008, it’s clear that Idaho Democrats are on the cusp of great things. The party’s chair needs to provide full-time attention to the cause.”

“I’ve decided that, for personal and professional reasons, I’m not able to do that. I will resign, effective immediately so the replacement process can begin before the 2008 election cycle starts in earnest,” Stallings said.

The Idaho Democratic Party bylaws state that such a vacancy be filled temporarily by the vice-chair. The vice-chair serves as acting chair until the next meeting of the Idaho Democratic Party Central Committee, at which time nominations are made and a vote is taken. The person elected at that meeting serves as chair for the remainder of the term held by the person who created the vacancy.

Stallings will be replaced temporarily by IDP Vice-Chair Jeanne Buell, of Worley, a longtime party activist. She will serve as the acting chair until the next meeting of the central committee, which was previously scheduled for January 4. At that meeting, nominations will be accepted and a vote will be taken for a new chair of the Idaho Democratic Party.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our outstanding vice-chair, Jeanne Buell, as she temporarily takes charge of our excellent staff, and I will of course assist whomever is elected to be a permanent replacement.

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RICHARD STALLINGS BIO

Richard H. Stallings was born October 7, 1940, in Ogden, Utah. He earned degrees from Utah State and Weber State, and worked as a teacher before becoming a history professor at Ricks College – now known as BYU-Idaho – in 1969. He eventually became chair of that department, and served the school until 1984.

In 1982, Stallings challenged Rep. George V. Hansen, a Republican, for Idaho’s second congressional seat. Stallings ran again in 1984, this time defeating Hansen in a close race.

In 1988, Stallings received three delegate votes for president at the Democratic National Convention. Stallings, himself pro-life, received the votes from like-minded conservative Democrats.

In 1992, Stallings unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate. The following year he was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as the U.S. Nuclear Waste Negotiator. In 1998 Stallings ran again for his old seat in the second congressional district, and lost to current Congressman Mike Simpson.

Stallings’ career in public service includes a deep commitment to the city of Pocatello. He served as executive director of the Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Service, and on the Pocatello City Council. He stayed on the council until his retirement earlier this year.

He has also continued his commitment to the teaching profession, having worked for Idaho State University  as an adjunct professor of political science. In February 2008 that university will unveil a catalogued collection of Stallings’ papers and effects from his time as a U.S. Congressman.

Stallings was first elected chair of the Idaho Democratic Party in March 2005, and was re-elected in March 2007. His term would have expired in 2009.

His awards and memberships include: