Delegate FAQ

What is a Delegate?

A delegate is a supporter of a candidate and a representative of the Idaho Democratic Party. Delegates selected from the County Caucus will go to the State Convention to help draft the Platform and have a chance to be selected to represent Idaho at the National Convention.

What is a Convention?

The political convention is a uniquely American tradition, one that is focused on the political parties that have defined Americans’ choices in government for nearly 175 years. Originally, the main purpose of political conventions was to nominate the party’s candidate for president. In the 1800s, the movement in the United States was to place more political power directly in the hands of the citizens.

Political conventions serve other purposes beyond nominating the party candidate, which is why they’re still around. The convention offers party members a chance to gather together and discuss the party’s platform. The platform is the party’s stance on the political issues of the day.

What are the duties of State Delegates?

Elect National Delegates to represent Idaho at the National Convention August 25-28, 2008.
Adopt the 2008 Idaho State Democratic Party Platform.
Elect Idaho’s Democratic Presidential Electors for the Presidential General Election

What is a Platform?

A platform is a formal statement of position on major political issues drafted by a candidate or a political party. In other countries, the “platform” may be called the party “manifesto.” The major parties ratify their platforms at their national conventions.

When is the National Convention?

August 25-28 in Denver, Colorado (approximate costs $3,000).

How many National Delegates are there from Idaho?

23. There are three types of National Delegates.

How do I become a National Delegate?

Anyone eligible must file a statement of candidacy for the position they will be running for by June 8th, 2008. For more information about running a campaign to become a National Delegate contact your local county organization or the IDP at 208/336-1815. A list statewide delegates is included in this packet.

What Are the Three Types of National Delegates?

District Level Delegates and Alternates
A majority of each state’s delegates are elected from local Congressional Districts. Each district level delegate pledges support to a presidential candidate of his or her choice.
12 Delegates/3 Alternates

Party Leaders & Elected Officials (PLEO) Delegates
Democrats eligible for PLEO delegates are big city mayors, statewide elected officials, state legislative leaders, state legislators, and other state, county and local elected officials and party leaders.
2 Delegates

At Large Delegates and Alternates
This the final group of delegates chosen. Any Democrat within the state is eligible for one of these positions. At Large delegates help the delegation to reflect the demographics of the state’s Democratic Party and competition for these positions is intense.
4 Delegates/1 Alternate

How do I get these forms?

Forms are included in this packet and can also be accessed on the menu bar to the left under 'Downloads'.

What do I do if I want to become a National Delegate?

1. Read the Idaho Democratic Party’s Delegate Selection Plan. Learn and understand the process and what exactly will be required of you as a National Delegate. The plan can be found on our website at: www.idaho-democrats.org.

2. Determine if you can either afford the cost or raise the money to attend the convention. There will be airfare, hotel, meals and other misc. expenses. The hotel accommodations have already been reserved and you will stay as a group in Denver. The IDP estimates the cost of attending the National Convention to be about $3,000.

3. Complete the appropriate National Delegate Candidacy form which can be found in this packet or online at www.idaho-democrats.org. The form must be completed and turned into the IDP by 5pm MST June 8th, 2008.

4. Plan your campaign to become a National Delegate. Being a National Delegate at the Presidential Convention is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of us. You will be competing with other Delegates from all over your Congressional District. Remember there are 382 State Delegates and only 18 elected National Delegate positions!

Example Campaign:
~Contact the other delegates within your Congressional District.

~Let them know who you are, that you are running, why you will make a great National Delegate, and answer any question they may have.

~Prepare literature about yourself and why should be elected to distribute at the convention.

~Actively campaign at the convention and ask for the support of the other delegates.

~Have someone who will nominate you or be prepared to nominate yourself at the convention.

~Prepare a 3-minute speech to be given during the nominating and election process at the convention.

*This is only one example of one type of campaign.

We encourage all of you to talk to your County Organizations, past State and National Delegates. The IDP is also available for additional information and questions you may have.

How Do I Raise Money to Travel to the National Convention as a Delegate?

According to Federal Election Law rules, anyone who is seeking election as a delegate, or who is either a state or national delegate, is subject to the limitations of the Federal Election Campaign Act. It is not necessary to register with the Federal Election Commission as an individual delegate. However, groups of delegates raising funds as a committee may have to file if they raise or spend more than $1,000.

The same contribution limits that apply to federal candidates, also apply to delegates fundraising for the national convention. This means that delegates may not accept corporate or union funds (unless accepted from a coproration or union’s registered political action committee) and may not accept more than a total of $5,000 from any one source.

There are several other rules that may affect individuals looking to fundraise as a delegate or send communications supporting a federal candidate. For more information, please reference the March 2008 Federal Election Commission publication, Record