Dining with Democrats: An insider story

I’ve known him for 4 years.

He used to wear polos everyday–not by his choice.

I saw when he came out as gay on Facebook. I was astounded by his bravery.

And I saw when he went to the Idaho State Capitol and sat in the governor’s chair at the age of 16.

Polos are in his past and power is in his future.

Knox pictured with the governor at the State Capitol Building. Photo credential: Otter’s Press Corps

I met Alex Knox, a dual-enrolled high school student, at Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy and have been impressed with his willpower ever since.

Last weekend we had the privilege, along with other leaders of NIC’s Young Democrats Club, to travel to Boise and be included in the 21st Annual Frank and Bethine Church Gala, the signature event for Idaho’s Democratic Party.

As Vice President of NIC’s Young Democrats, I witnessed the weekend gala firsthand. It was an event that echoed the party’s past accomplishments and sang of future prospects.

Filled with dinner parties and workshops, the gala served as a memoriam of the political couple who stayed in contact in the early 1940s by writing letters to each other.

Having been a U.S. Senator for more than twenty years alongside his wife, nicknamed “Idaho’s third senator,” Frank Church’s contributions to the Democratic Party included creating an investigative committee to monitor illegal actions made by government agencies following Watergate.

Over the course of the weekend, our small team of Young Democrats was able to meet and be inspired by several different members of Idaho’s Democratic Party.

“Seeing how the Democratic party functions and seeing a deeper insight to what the party stands for opened my eyes to the world of possibilities of action,” Knox said.

We spoke with many influential people from State Party Chair Larry Kenck to Boise Mayor David Bieter and former governor candidate A.J. Balukoff.

NIC students pictured with Balukoff. Photo credentials: Morgan Miller

Following committee meetings and training sessions, the weekend ended with a large gala dinner.

Everything was very coordinated with assigned seating, meal courses, award ceremonies, guest speakers and a painfully awkward host who delivered poorly timed jokes.

But perhaps nothing was more delightful than the gala after party where Idaho government officials got down to “Uptown Funk.”

Although fun was had, we also received guidance and advice to take back home to campus.

For some like Alex Knox, careers were even furthered.

He was named a member of the Affirmative Action Committee for the State Party. This job requires him to pick delegates for the state and national convention and to make sure those delegates represent all Idahoans.

“Everyone must be equally represented from Latinos to African Americans, LGBT and women,” Knox said, mirroring one of the biggest goals of NIC Young Democrats Club.

This goal is to help everyone be represented in local government and on campus–even a gay young man with dreams to have the governor’s chair be his own one day.

The Young Democrats Club meets every Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the Crescent Bay Room in the downstairs SUB.