Even in the strongly Republican state of Idaho, Democrats are feeling a surge of excitement about Vice President Kamala Harris and her new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Rep. Lauren Necochea, who is the chairwoman of the Idaho Democratic Party and an assistant minority leader in the Idaho House of Representatives, shared her thoughts during an interview on Tuesday.
Necochea, a Democrat from Boise, noted that Walz’s extensive experience could attract many voters who are tired of divisive politics. “I’m sensing a lot of enthusiasm about Gov. Walz,” she said. He is a fantastic pick with deep experience in public service.
He has served as a command sergeant major in the Army National Guard, taught high school, coached football, and served six terms in Congress before becoming governor of Minnesota. I think voters appreciate his authenticity, which resonates with people on both sides of the aisle.”
Necochea will be representing Idaho as a delegate at the upcoming Democratic National Convention, which starts on August 19 in Chicago. Attempts to reach Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon for comment were unsuccessful.
On July 15, former President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, a Republican from Ohio, would be his running mate. Vance is a Marine Corps veteran, graduated from Yale Law School, and is known for his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.”
Necochea observed that the excitement for the Harris-Walz ticket has grown since President Joe Biden announced on July 21 that he would not seek re-election, making it clear that Harris would become the nominee. She highlighted the anxiety felt in Idaho and across the country regarding abortion rights and access to women’s health care. “Harris is a strong candidate who offers a clear contrast to Trump and Vance,” Necochea said.
The enthusiasm around the Harris-Walz ticket reminds Necochea of the energy leading up to Barack Obama’s election in 2008. “We’re facing a similar historic moment now, on the brink of electing the first female president,” she noted. “The national enthusiasm is evident, especially with Vice President Harris’s record-breaking fundraising in recent weeks.”
Necochea isn’t the only one noticing a boost in Democratic enthusiasm. Boise State University political scientist Jaclyn Kettler pointed out that interest in the presidential election has surged recently, particularly among Democrats.
“It is amazing how much has changed in the last few weeks,” Kettler said in a phone interview with the Idaho Capital Sun on Tuesday. “Many polls still show Trump with the lead, especially in some swing states that are crucial for both Harris and Trump. However, the renewed energy and enthusiasm among Democrats indicate a significant shift.”
Kettler emphasized that while Idaho is expected to vote for Trump, Democrats have been concerned about down-ballot races. When Biden was running for re-election, there were worries that some Democrats might not turn out to vote or might not attract swing voters, which could impact Congress or local races. In Idaho, particularly in places like Ada County, a higher voter turnout will be essential for making races more competitive at the local or legislative level.”
Although the vice presidency is an important position and is next in line for the presidency, Kettler mentioned that political scientists have mixed views on how much a vice presidential candidate can influence an election.
“Research on the impact of a vice presidential nominee shows mixed results regarding whether they can help win additional states that the presidential candidate might not win alone,” she said. “Despite the mixed findings, choosing a vice presidential nominee remains an important decision.”
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The growing excitement around the Harris-Walz ticket suggests that Democrats in Idaho and across the country are rallying in preparation for the upcoming election. With a renewed sense of energy and focus on key issues like women’s rights and healthcare, the party aims to build on this momentum leading into the Democratic National Convention and beyond.
