The Beaverhead County Democratic Party strengthens our community by connecting people to the political process, developing community leaders, and electing officials who listen, respond, and represent the needs of ordinary people rather than corporate interests.
Who are the Democrats?
Thomas Jefferson said that we "are naturally divided into two parties: Those who fear and distrust people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes [and] those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe. . . ."
Applying Jefferson's distinction to the present day, it seems clear that Democrats are of the latter sort while Republicans tend to be of the former sort.
As Democrats, we exemplify the basic tenets of freedom, equality, and civil rights expressed by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. We identify with ordinary people and seek to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the political process. We work to provide a government that is responsive, honest, and open to everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, or economic status -- a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people."
Unlike Republicans, who champion "trickle-down economics," we Democrats see danger in trusting the wealthy rather than ordinary people with the financial well-being of the nation. As Jefferson wrote, "They [ordinary people], and not the rich, are our dependence for continued freedom. And to preserve their independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude."
We Democrats believe we have a moral responsibility to work for social and economic justice for all. To this end, we believe that our government must take special care to serve those most in need -- the poor, the elderly, children -- for there are some services only government can provide. We are the party that brought about social security, unemployment insurance, child labor laws, and farm programs. Republicans fought against creating these programs and have repeatedly attempted to destroy or "privatize" them.
We believe, further, that there are constitutionally protected areas in which the Federal government simply should not intrude. Government has no business reading our mail, wiretapping our phones, or nosing around in our bedrooms.
Finally, we Democrats believe that our government has no right to wage preemptive war against another sovereign nation unless there is clear, demonstrable evidence that that nation is on the verge of attacking us. The conduct of the Bush administration in Iraq, from the deceit that justified the "shock and awe" campaign to the occupation, is insupportable.
A History Lesson from Judge Davis: Democrats in Beaverhead County
[Note: The Honorable Frank M. Davis presented the following brief history of Democrats in Beaverhead County at a recent Jefferson-Jackson dinner. His account contradicts the popular belief that our county has always been a Republican stronghold. We heartily thank Judge Davis for his contribution.]
The Poindexter-Orr Era:
It all started in the late 1800's when two pioneer stockmen came to the Beaverhead with cattle and sheep and created a large ranch on the Blacktail Deer Creek. Their square and compass brand is one of the oldest in the state. Both families were proud Democrats and civic leaders, leaving their mark on Dillon in many ways. There is the large Poindexter-Orr subdivision that constitutes much of the south-east residential area of the city. The large building at the corner of Idaho and Bannack was for many years known as the Poindexter Building.
The famous Orr Mansion at the south end of Idaho is still a showplace of the community. District JudgePoindexter was appointed by FDR as territorial governor of Hawaii and served at that post through the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Bob Barrett Era:
Bob Barrett, founder and president of State Bank, was leader of local Democrats for many years. During the Depression years State Bank, and Bob Barrett personally, saved dozens of hard-pressed local ranchers by advancing funds to avoid mortgage foreclosures. The notes were often personal and without security.
Bob was proud of the fact that with the advent of many New Deal programs, every one of the bank's loans and those he made personally were paid in full. Through the late 40's and 50's Bob also subsidized the local hospital, which has become a permanent memorial to the Barrett family.
The Womack-Wheat Era:
This era featured the Democratic efforts of Herb and Nancy Wheat, Jim and Vivian Womack, Mary Jensen, Bob Miller, Bruce Watters, among others. Through their efforts and the Democratic New Deal program of the REA (Rural Electrification Administration), electricity reached almost every ranch in the county though it was consistently opposed by the "loyal opposition."
Two young attorneys (unrelated Davises) sued the Montana Milk Control Board on behalf of self-styled "widows" and successfully kept the price of a quart of milk at 17 cents for more than two years. They were aided by a truly "compassionate conservative," State Senator Frank Hazelbaker. Democratic District Judge Phillip Duncan presided over the case. Judge Duncan had been a Democratic legislator from Madison and Jefferson before being appointed by Democratic Governor John Bonner.
Governor Bonner was instrumental in engineering the paving of Highway 41 all the way to Twin Bridges. Old-timers recall that Bonner was the last Democratic governor to carry Beaverhead County.
History Lesson, cont.
During this era Democrats in office included county commissioners Ralph Davis, John Prososky, and Norman Giles; Clerk of Court Toke Contway; Clerk and Recorder Evelyn Sage; County Attorney Carl Davis; Superintendent of Schools Decker; and sheriffs John McDonald and Buzz Davis.
The "railroad town" of Lima was almost a solid Democratic Party stronghold with Henry Harshner as leader.
The catalyst during this era was Jim Womack, a Dillon educator who went on to become National Guard Adjudant General and one of Governor Forrest Anderson's key advisors. He built a houseboat "of sorts" and christened it "the LBJ" to taunt the opposition.
During this era the Clark Canyon Dam was built with participation of local Democrats, joined by enlightened Republicans Hap Hawkins, Dale Tash, DeMar Taylor, and others. Democratic legislators Mansfield, Olson, and Metcalf gave invaluable help by working in close contact with Secretary of Interior Udall. We don't know what happened to the original executive order from the Secretary that named the new body of water Hap Hawkins Lake.
The Modern Era:
The modern era has featured local Democrats like Tom Scott (County Attorney), Spence Hegstad (County Commissioner and advisor to Governor Schwinden along with Jim Flynn), Bob Miller (County Commissioner) and Carl Davis (local attorney and delegate to the Montana Constitutional Convention). All have served with distinction. Bob Miller was arguably the most progressive county commissioner of the era, engineering an expansion of the county courthouse and facilities. Tom Scott ranks at the top with Carl Davis as simply great public servants.
The Myth and the Epilogue:
The generally accepted theory that a Democrat can't be elected in the Beaverhead is a myth. At one time, the entire Board of County Commissioners was Democratic, as were the sheriff, clerk of court, superintendent of schools and assorted deputies and clerks!
One Democrat elected to the legislature was the popular vote-getter Bill Hand. Unfortunately, Bill more often than not voted with the GOP. This distressed the Democrats; but he was so likable, all was forgiven. He died, still insisting he was a Democrat!
[At a recent meeting, local Democrats] conducted a poll on a variety of issues. The present president edged out Warren Harding as the worst president of the age! They reflected on Social Security, enacted in 1935 over the objection of six GOP members of the Senate. The Republicans fought the entire concept of Social Security as socialism imported from Europe, where it had been in effect for a generation. They pondered the irony of the present effort to privatize the program.
One Final Story:
Years ago six local Democrats wanted to motor up to Missoula for the Griz-Bobcat game. They needed a big car to go together and one of the local Republicans volunteered his Cadillac and offered to drive. He was brainwashed for some 360 miles. On the return trip he confided to the group, "Why is it that everyone I like is a Democrat?" The Central Committee presented him with a certificate as an honorary "Democrat." He proudly displayed it in his office but probably continued to vote Republican!
