Press Release Archives

Oct 30, 2007 Bush Republicans Can't Hide their Fiscal Irresponsibility "After seven years, President Bush still hasn't figured out that he serves all the American people, not a partisan agenda. The President's threat today to veto Democratic funding bills that address the American people's priorities is not only misguided, it's hypocritical. It's President Bush who... more...
Oct 5, 2007 Stallings: Craig breaks promise, Democrats look toward 2008 victory! BOISE, Idaho -- State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings issued the following remarks regarding Republican Sen. Larry Craig's decision to break his word and continue to hold his seat in the United States Senate: "Well, the drama continues," Stallings said Friday. "Larry Craig's... more...
Oct 3, 2007 Idaho Dems call on Republicans to stand up to Bush’s SCHIP veto BOISE, Idaho –State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings today condemned President Bush’s veto of legislation that would have renewed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) – which currently provides health care coverage to over 6 million children nationwide – and improve... more...
Sep 27, 2007 Democratic Party Chairman calls on Republicans to reject threatened veto, stand up for Idaho families BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings today is calling on Idaho’s Republican congressional delegation to stand up to President Bush and join Democrats to renew the State Children's Health Insurance Program; providing health insurance for 18,100 Idaho children who... more...
Sep 18, 2007 Stallings responds to Supreme Court appointment creating all-male bench “Gov. Butch Otter’s decision to appoint Joel Horton to the state Supreme Court means Idaho will be served by a well-respected jurist. However, it also means that the only perspective on the state Supreme Court will that of white men over 50. “I find it hard to believe that of all Idaho’s... more...
Aug 31, 2007 Additional statements on Larry Craig BOISE, Idaho – According to the Associated Press, Senator Larry Craig may decided soon to respond to pressure from national Republicans like the Republican National Committee and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell by resigning his Senate seat . more...
Aug 28, 2007 Statement on Larry Craig The following statement is from the Idaho Democratic Party Chairman, Richard Stallings: "The issue of Larry Craig and the incident in the bathroom at the Minneapolis airport is between Larry Craig, his family, the investigators and courts, and others who are directly involved. This is not... more...
Aug 13, 2007 Stallings calls for Sali to apologize or resign POCATELLO, Idaho -- Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings is calling for Idaho’s 1st District Republican Bill Sali to apologize for his anti-religious freedom comments made this week to an online news organization. According to a story (and a recording of Sali’s voice) posted on... more...
Aug 3, 2007 Idaho Democrats Announce Unprecedented Voter Protection Plan BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings is announcing that Idaho will participate in an unprecedented 50-state election protection program to prepare for the 2008 election. more...
Aug 3, 2007 Gov. Howard Dean to visit eastern Idaho Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean will visit Pocatello on Aug. 8th as part of the DNC's 50 state strategy to compete in every state. Dean will join and address local Democrats... more...
Jul 17, 2007 Staying Up All Night To Do What’s Right: UPDATE BOISE, Idaho– State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings issued the following statement after Republicans in the Senate blocked a straight up-or-down vote on the Levin-Reed Amendment to change course in Iraq: “It is a sad and shameful day as Republican senators in Washington, once... more...
Jul 13, 2007 Democrats push for course correction in Iraq BOISE, Idaho -- Democrats in Congress have reaffirmed their support for a new direction in Iraq by voting to pass the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act (HR 2956). The bill, which would begin to responsibly redeploy our troops in Iraq and refocus our efforts on protecting Americans from... more...
Jul 12, 2007 Idaho Democrats stand strong for independent voters BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Democrats are standing firmly behind the rights of independent voters to vote in the primary election of their choice. A Republican coalition from the far right has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to require registration of Republican voters as a prerequisite to voting in... more...
Jun 26, 2007 Idaho Blues send "Fredo" packing Idaho Democrats and progressives joined forces on Tuesday to send Alberto Gonzales back to Washington D.C. with a message he will never forget – that Idaho is NOT full of unthinking neo-cons who will give corrupt officials an open microphone to whitewash their record. Attorney General Alberto... more...
Jun 25, 2007 Stallings: Gonzales visit to Idaho doesn't make up for abuse of office BOISE, Idaho – The following remarks were made Monday by Richard Stallings, chairman of the Idaho Democratic Party and former 2nd District congressman: “United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will be visiting Boise on Tuesday. While his stated intention is to meet local and tour... more...
Jun 14, 2007 Republicans Should Join Democrats In Passing Energy Independence Bill BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings is calling on Idaho’s Republican congressional delegation to stand up for Idaho’s working families by joining Democrats in passing the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. more...
Jun 8, 2007 Two slogans selected Thank you so much for all your interest in our slogan contest. We had more than 150 entries to judge, and it was very difficult to pick one winner over all the others. In fact, we couldn’t pick just ONE winner, so we selected two. more...
May 31, 2007 Do Sali and Simpson Support Bush’s 50-Year Plan for Iraq? BOISE, Idaho – President Bush announced yesterday that he believes U.S. troops should have a long term presence in Iraq similar to our presence in South Korea where thousands of troops have been based for the last 50 years. [USA Today, 5/30/07] Despite evidence that Idahoans want a change of... more...
May 24, 2007 Stallings calls on GOP delegation to join Democrats and ease pain at gas pump BOISE, Idaho – With gasoline prices soaring to $3.27 per gallon in Idaho heading into Memorial Day weekend, State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings is calling on the Republican delegation in Washington to help ease the pain at the pump. [Source: AAA Fuel Gauge Report,... more...
May 23, 2007 Congratulations to Community College Effort! Category: Education
BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Chairman Richard Stallings on Wednesday issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Community College effort in Ada and Canyon County: “It is truly a joy for me to see that voters from Western Idaho came together in such great numbers to take... more...

May 17, 2007 Congressional Democrats Pass Budget That Puts Working Families First BOISE, Idaho – After six years of fiscal irresponsibility on the part of Republicans in Congress and President Bush, Democrats passed an economically sound budget that cuts taxes for working families and invests in our future. Democrats are keeping the promises they made this past election by...    more...

May 10, 2007 Ada Democrats Say Yes to Community College: Category: Education
(BOISE) – Citing recent electoral successes and an identified base of voters who favor expanding local educational opportunities, the Ada County Democrats have committed to activating their grassroots organizations behind the Community College Yes initiative. “The education of our...    more...

May 1, 2007 Stallings calls for Congress to continue working to get Idaho and America out of Iraq BOISE, Idaho – Former Idaho Congressman Richard Stallings on Tuesday called for the current Idaho Congressional Delegation to join with Democrats in their push to resolve the Iraq debacle and bring our troops home. “President Bush has again failed to heed the call of the American people, a...    more...

Apr 2, 2007 The 2007 Legislative Session: A Broken GOP Promise The people of Idaho should be outraged that the Republican-dominated Legislature did not live up to its promise to reduce or remove the sales tax from groceries. You’ve been had. Although Democrats are a distinct minority, our caucus came to Boise prepared to work hard on legislation that the...    more...

Apr 2, 2007 The 2007 Legislative Session: A Broken GOP Promise The people of Idaho should be outraged that the Republican-dominated Legislature did not live up to its promise to reduce or remove the sales tax from groceries. You’ve been had. Although Democrats are a distinct minority, our caucus came to Boise prepared to work hard on legislation that the...    more...

Mar 27, 2007 Democratic Party Releases Draft Delegate Plan for 2008 Natioinal Convention BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Democratic Party today released its draft delegate plan for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver for a 30 day public comment period. The plan outlines the selection process for sending delegates and alternates to the national convention...    more...

Mar 23, 2007 Dems advocate 1-year `cooling off' period between legislative and lobbyist jobs BOISE, Idaho – BOISE, Idaho – Democratic leaders on Friday unveiled new legislation that would require a 12-month “cooling off” period for legislators who are seeking to become lobbyists. Although late in the session, the Democratic effort comes in response to an Associated Press report...    more...

Mar 22, 2007 College Republicans Continue Racist, Anti-Immigrant Activities In Idaho Washington, DC - While Democrats in Congress continue to work toward comprehensive immigration reform, exemplified today by the introduction of the bipartisan Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007 (STRIVE Act of 2007), Republicans across the country appear...    more...

Mar 19, 2007 Idaho Republicans Still Won't Hold Bush Accountable BOISE, Idaho – As the war in Iraq enters its fifth year, Idaho’s Republicans in Congress continues to ignore the American people and refuse to hold President Bush accountable for his permanent commitment to a failed strategy. The American people went to the polls last November and demanded a...    more...

Mar 5, 2007 Democrats re-elect chairman Stallings, change caucus date BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Democrats had a busy but fun-filled time this weekend as the state central committee selected Feb. 5, 2008, as the party’s new presidential caucus date. The committee also re-elected Richard Stallings to another 2-year term.    more...

Mar 1, 2007 New Report Vindicates Daycare Bill BOISE, Idaho – Rep. George Salyer, D-Coeur d’Alene, said he’s not surprised at today’s front-page news showing Idaho ranks dead last when it comes to child daycare safety. Salyer tried earlier this year to present House Bill 163, which would have tightened safety standards. The Legislature has...    more...

Mar 1, 2007 Senator John Edwards' Universal Health Care Plan As you may have already seen in the press, Senator John Edwards has unveiled a bold plan to transform America's health care system and provide universal health care for every man, woman, and child in America. In fact, John Edwards is the only Democratic candidate with a comprehensive, truly...    more

Feb 8, 2007 Republicans introduce anti-minimum wage bill, torpedo Democratic proposal to help low-wage workers BOISE, Idaho – Republican members of the House State Affairs committee on Tuesday refused to consider a bill that would have increased the minimum wage from the current paltry $5.15 per hour to $7.25. Instead, the Republican majority is moving forward with a deceitful bill that anchors Idaho 's...    more...

Jan 23, 2007 Craig contributors ‘get’ global warming, even if Idaho's senior senator does not Category: Environment
BOISE, Idaho – Republican Sen. Larry Craig should come to grips with the reality of global warming, State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings said Monday. Even Craig’s own top PAC contributor – an out-of-state power company – recognizes that planetary heating is the biggest problem facing...    more...

Jan 9, 2007 Prepared Remarks: Legislative Leaders Respond to State of State The following remarks were delivered jointly by Senate Democratic Leader Clint Stennett and House Democratic Leader Wendy Jaquet on Jan. 9 in the Idaho Statehouse.    more...

Jan 3, 2007 Congratulations Broncos! BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings sends a hearty congratulations to Boise State University football Coach Chris Peterson and all Broncos for their stunning New Year's Day victory at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.    more...

Nov 4, 2006 Stallings to Luna: What have YOU done? BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings on Tuesday called foul on an independent radio ad taken out by defeated former state senator Darrell Deide against Jana Jones, Democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction.    more...

Aug 10, 2006 Stallings questions Otter's flip-flops BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Chairman Richard Stallings on Thursday said C.L. “Butch” Otter’s reversal on protecting education funding is another example of how the “governor-in-waiting” would waffle and waver on issues important to Idaho.    more...

Aug 2, 2006 DEMOCRATS CALL FOR A RAISE IN MINIMUM WAGE Washington, DC-With Republicans in the U.S. Senate pushing a sham minimum wage plan that would cut the wages of workers across America in an attempt to pass a near-trillion dollar giveaway to the wealthiest Americans, Assistant Democratic Leader Dick Durbin, Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator...    more...

Jul 27, 2006 Where's Butch Otter? `Don't ask, don't tell' candidate ducks vote BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings on Thursday hammered Rep. C.L. “Butch” Otter for failing to show up and cast a vote on his own colleague’s bill that would protect 312,000 acres of wilderness in Central Idaho’s Boulder-White Cloud range.    more...

Jul 25, 2006 How the Democratic Leadership Property Tax Plan Works Here's how the Democratic Leadership's plan for property taxes would work to provide targeted tax cuts to all homeowners while at the same time keep our schools from facing devastating cuts in the future.    more...

Jul 11, 2006 Democrats release property tax plan BOISE, Idaho – Democrats around the state on Tuesday unveiled a targeted plan to cut property taxes for Idaho for more than 370,000 homeowners. The Democratic plan uses approximately $104 million in surplus state money this year to pay the portion of property tax called the “School Maintenance...    more...

Jun 24, 2006 Idaho Democrats champion community, democracy IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Idaho Democrats concluded their three-day convention on Saturday following a fully open and spirited platform hearing. Democrats adopted their charter and once again affirmed their strong commitment to Idaho communities, democracy, opportunity and justice for all, individual...    more...

Apr 17, 2006 Another Idaho GOP Scandal? BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings said Monday’s disclosure that the Idaho Republican Party will pay a $10,000 fine for receiving illegal contributions is yet another scandal added to the growing list that voters cannot ignore this year.    more...

Apr 10, 2006 Mitchell undergoes heart tests BOISE, Idaho -- Lewiston Democrat Mike Mitchell was admitted to St. Lukes Regional Medical Center on Monday for heart tests. At last report, he was resting comfortably and awaiting results of the tests to consult with his physician. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family," said...    more...

Apr 10, 2006 Mitchell undergoes heart tests BOISE, Idaho -- Lewiston Democrat Mike Mitchell was admitted to St. Lukes Regional Medical Center on Monday for heart tests. At last report, he was resting comfortably and awaiting results of the tests to consult with his physician. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family," said...    more...

Apr 8, 2006 Jaquet: House demonstration did not delay end of session BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho Democratic House Leader Wendy Jaquet said Saturday that the demonstration of support shown by her caucus on Friday had no effect on the length of this year's Legislative session because Republicans had intended to come back to Boise on Monday to finish up additional bills.    more...

Mar 24, 2006 Democrats unveil constitutional change to block secret legislative meetings Category: Civil Rights
BOISE, Idaho – Senate Democratic Leader Clint Stennett and Sen. Kate Kelly on Friday presented a constitutional change legislation that would reverse a Supreme Court split decision earlier this week, which said the Legislature could meet secretly in committee meetings.    more...

Mar 22, 2006 Democrats united against Band-aid approach to school facilities Category: Education
BOISE, Idaho — Elected Democrats in the Idaho Legislature said a House-passed bill approved by a Senate Committee this week is just another way to punish schools districts, snub the Supreme Court and leave the problem of crumbling schools unresolved.    more...

Mar 21, 2006 House Dems win hearing for minimum wage increase Category: Economy
BOISE, Idaho – Democrats in the Idaho House of Representatives on Tuesday convinced Republicans to hold a hearing for a bill that would raise the minimum wage by $1. The House Democratic Caucus used a floor procedure that slows progress of other bills to prod Republican leaders into allowing...    more...

Mar 16, 2006 Stallings reacts to Kempthorne nomination BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Democratic Chairman Richard Stallings reacted with mixed feelings about the possible appointment of Republican Gov. Dirk Kempthorne to the Bush Administration as Secretary of the Interior. “It could be a terrific opportunity for Idahoans to have one of their own...    more...

Mar 10, 2006 Jerry Brady: How I Will Lead as Governor All my decisions as governor will be founded on values learned from my family and my religion. From my dad, I learned always to be honest and fair. I could not be dishonest and be my father’s son. Being fair means making decisions based on what is best for all Idahoans, not the privileged few....    more...

Mar 10, 2006 Stallings denounces Craig donations BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings on Friday said Republican Sen. Larry Craig’s acceptance of $43,500 in tainted campaign donations raises serious questions about whether Craig was unduly influenced by the same people who have brought dishonor and scandal to many...    more...

Oct 31, 2005 President Bush Caved to Right-Wing With Alito Nomination The nomination of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court is the latest example of President Bush’s failed leadership.    more...

Oct 26, 2005 Stallings Marks Tragic Day: U.S. Troop Fatalities Reach 2,001 in Iraq Idaho and the nation grieve as the 2,001st American soldier died in the war in Iraq.    more...

Oct 24, 2005 Idaho Democrats thank Marilyn Howard for service Category: Education
BOISE, Idaho (IDPHQ) -- Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings thanked Marilyn Howard on Monday for eight years of service to our schools as State Superintendent of Public Instruction.    more...

Oct 14, 2005 Louisiana Senator Blasts Craig for Hurtful Comments State chairman says GOP should clean up its own house before `casting stones’ into a disaster area.    more...

Aug 15, 2005 Vice president should listen to sugar growers Vice president Dick Cheney blew in and out of Idaho Monday without listening to Idaho's sugar producers about how their businesses will be hurt by Bush's Central American Free Trade Agreement    more...

Jun 20, 2005 CD1: Larry Grant forms Exploratory Committee Larry Grant, Fruitland resident and former Vice President and General Counsel of Micron Technology, Inc., announced today that he is considering running for the United States House of Representatives for the 1st Congressional District to work on jobs, education, health care and transportation...    more...

Apr 7, 2005 Sen. Stennett's weekly update Sen. Stennett's end-of-session summary.    more...

Apr 6, 2005 Rep. Jacquet's Weekly Update Rep. Jacquet wraps up the legislative session.    more...

Apr 1, 2005 Rep. Jaquet's Weekly Update Rep. Wendy Jacquet's report of the legislative week addresses the GARVEE Bills, State employee salaries, and licensing of naturopaths.    more...

Mar 25, 2005 Sen. Stennett's weekly update Sen. Clint Stennet reports on the Qwest bill and charging tuition at public universities.    more...

Mar 25, 2005 Rep. Jaquet's Weekly Update Rep. Wendy Jacquet's report of the legislative week addresses the Snake River Plain Aquifer, Education funding, and property tax issues.    more...

Mar 4, 2005 Idaho Republicans prefer free stench to free speech? Sen. Stennett's weekly legislative update    more...

Mar 4, 2005 Rep. Donna Pence's legislative update Weekly Legislative Column By Donna Pence The month of March is already here, and we still have a number of legislative issues to address before the session is over. The State budget appropriations, GARVEE Bonds, and other extremely important issues are before us, and we are working...    more...

Mar 4, 2005 House Dems work to improve Governor's incentive proposal Rep. Wendy Jaquet's weekly update    more...

Feb 25, 2005 Sen. Stennett's weekly update To ensure the public trust in our government, it is crucial that as Senators we are extraordinarily cautious, and thoughtful about our actions and public perception. In 1990, the Idaho Legislature passed the Ethics in Government Act to offer guidelines for public officials to ensure that...    more...

Feb 25, 2005 Rep. Jaquet's weekly update    more

Feb 25, 2005 Rep. Pasley-Stuart's legislative update Representative Anne Pasley-Stuart Legislative Update - Issue 4 Snake River Basin Adjudication (SRBA) We are finally at full speed and dealing with many large issues of this session. The House Resources and Conservation Committee is in the middle of the public Snake...    more...

Feb 25, 2005 Rep. Pence's weekly update Week 7 Legislative Column by Representative Donna Pence This week, new legislation has again brought forth interesting responses from the citizens of Idaho. Many of you have contacted me about House Bill 217, which addresses Teacher Mentoring in Idaho. Therefore, I'd like to give everyone...    more...

Feb 21, 2005 Fair Solutions To Property Tax Problems House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet's weekly update.    more

Feb 18, 2005 Wendy Jaquet's weekly update    more

Feb 18, 2005 Rep. Anne Pasley-Stuart's legislative update Representative Anne Pasley-Stuart Legislative Update - Issue 3 Ada County Courthouse I want to thank those of you who contacted me and other legislators in support of preserving the Ada County Courthouse. Your calls, emails and letters have had an ...    more...

Feb 18, 2005 Rep. Donna Pence's legislative update Representative Donna Pence Legislative Column, week six Our sixth week here at the legislature has flown by; we are in a constant flurry as legislation is passed, paused or prevented in committees and on the House floor. I've seen an array of legislation this week, and would...    more...

Feb 18, 2005 Rep. Shirley Ringo on education legislation by Rep. Shirley Ringo Legislation passed by the Republican majority in 2003 brought to an end a state policy of increasing state support for schools and reducing reliance on property taxes. The policy now is to limit state support and this means more property taxes. It also means...    more...

Feb 4, 2005 House Minority Chair Wendy Jaquet's weekly column LEGISLATIVE NEWS Week Four By Wendy Jaquet The days are really flying by now as the workload picks up, time lines need to be met and meetings get booked on top of meetings! Property tax adjustment bills are starting to show up in the House Revenue and Taxation...    more...

Feb 4, 2005 District 19 Rep. Anne Pasley-Stuart's legislative update Representative Anne Pasley-Stuart Legislative Update - Issue 2 We have had a flurry of activity here in the Statehouse during the past week. Since I last wrote, I have received a number of emails, letters and calls from many of you (especially regarding the constitutional amendment,...    more...

Feb 4, 2005 Sen. Stennett's weekly column Weekly Column 4 Senator Clint Stennett District 25 Minority Leader The Constitution of the State of Idaho was designed by forward-thinking men who advocated a government open to the people. As founding Senator Aaron Parker explained, the idea was to turn "the electric light of...    more...

Feb 4, 2005 Rep. Pence's weekly legislative column This Week at the Legislature -Representative Donna Pence This week, we began to address legislation that deals with issues other than rules clarification. In the House Judiciary Committee, medical associations, law enforcement, local government communities, and the State Board of...    more...

Jan 11, 2005 Response to Gov. Kempthorne's State of the State Address Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne tried to use his State of the State Address on Monday to liken his leadership and vision to that of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1805, when their expedition introduced the United States to land that would become Idaho. Grand and glorious it was. If...    more...

Jan 11, 2005 Response to Gov. Kempthorne's State of the State Address Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne tried to use his State of the State Address on Monday to liken his leadership and vision to that of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1805, when their expedition introduced the United States to land that would become Idaho. Grand and glorious it was. If...    more...

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