The Kootenai County Democratic caucus is happening tomorrow, Feb.5th, and the Kootenai County Democratic Party has high hopes for a record turnout of participants. “We have a very strong left-winged movement,” stated Tamara Poelstra, County Caucus Chair.

A lot excitement surrounds tomorrow’s caucus. Idaho is one of the 22 states holding either a caucus or a primary on Super Tuesday, and will be one of the last states to report their results. The caucus opens its doors at North Idaho College at 5:30pm, and the doors close to begin the delegation process at 7pm.

Whereas a mere 400 people attended the 2004 Kootenai County caucus, between 1,000-2,000 people are expected to turn out this year. This huge jump in the number of participants expected signifies the rising prominence of the Democratic party in a traditionally Republican state.

Poelstra explained that the Democratic party has experienced waves of support and withdrawal in Idaho since its arrival there. Though initially the state was “very Democratic, in the 1970s the Democrats started seeing occasional Republicans win seats,” Poelstra said.

Within 10 years, the Republican party had taken control and was in the dominant position. The GOP has been in power in Idaho for about 20 years.

The power equilibrium has begun to balance out, little by little, since 2002, when a Democrat won a legislative seat. Poestra believes it will be about two years until the power shift proves effective for the Democrats, but expresses the desire to bring a balance to Idaho’s political sphere. Of the Democrats and Republicans, Poelstra expressed that “both parties bring something to the table.”

Poelstra credits Presidential nominee Barack Obama’s aggressive grassroots campaign for “bringing more people to the (Democratic office) door. The Obama campaign has a lot of momentum.” Around 68 volunteers have been helping to organize and set-up the caucus, and will be on hand tomorrow to help run the event.

Increased media attention from national and local media outlets alike is expected at tomorrow’s caucus. The caucus is an open event; anyone can participate, including Republicans and Independents. Participants will be asked to sign in and state their Presidential preference, which can include “uncommitted.” Citizens will have the opportunity to change their Presidential preference throughout the night.

Kootenai County is in the 1st Congressional District in Idaho, and is the second largest county in the state. 382 delegates will be elected statewide tomorrow. Idaho is allotted 23 delegates and 4 alternates to send to the National Democratic Convention in Denver, CO in August.

With such a close Presidential campaign hanging on the results of tomorrow, the Kootenai County Democrats are excited about the enthusiasm surrounding the different campaigns, and the party in general. Poelstra believes that the caucuses will be the “best opportunity to create some relationships” between people and the party.