"We need to elect progressive Democrats in Red States."

[IDemo]

We have just lost one of our better state representatives in recent memory. Nicole LeFavour is leaving after eight years of being a voice in the wilderness of the fringe right/libertarian mindset that dominates the Idaho statehouse (sorry Texans, y'all are amateurs when it comes to nuttery). Listen to the audio interview at the link for a taste of what she's experienced.

BOISE, ID – Boise Senator Nicole LeFavour announced Friday she’s leaving the Idaho Legislature. She spent much of her time during this, her last session, trying to outlaw discrimination against gays and lesbians. Here she is on the Senate floor earlier this month.

Nicole LeFavour “I would ask you to consider for a moment the lives of those individuals who do daily live with the concern that they may indeed be fired from their jobs or lose their housing. Now this is an experience for those employees which involves censoring themselves daily, hoping that someone will not, in essence,…Again, I apologize Mr. President, another point of order. I know that the Senator’s heart is in this amendment.”

As fellow Senator Bart Davis said, LeFavour’s heart is in this issue. But after 5 years of trying, she’s had no luck getting traction on legislation to protection gay and lesbian rights. LeFavour talked with Samantha Wright in her statehouse office and she says the constant daily struggle is the reason she won’t seek re-election.

Senator Nicole LeFavour has served eight years in the Idaho Legislature, four in the House and four in the Senate. She is the only openly gay legislator in the Gem State. After LeFavour said she was leaving, Representative Cherie Buckner-Webb announced she would run for the District 19 Senate seat. LeFavour offered her endorsement to Buckner-Webb.

http://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/2012/02/27/senator-lefavour-talks-about-her-decision-to-leave-idaho-politics/ --(audio interview with LeFavour as well)

[Vincardog]

1. "We need to elect progressive Democrats in EVERYWHERE."