HUMBOLDT There are more Democrats in Allen County than you might think, local party organizers said. And now they have a place to meet.
The Allen County Democratic Party opened its campaign headquarters Saturday afternoon at 109 S. Ninth St., Humboldt. And while thats a fairly routine event before a midterm election, Allen Countys open house and ribbon cutting ceremony was significant in drawing a large, enthusiastic crowd and several candidates from across the state.
More than 40 attended the event, including local, state and federal candidates running in the August primary. Attendees also came from area counties, including Woodson, Wilson and Neosho.
The Allen County Democratic Party organized just three years ago and didnt have a campaign office in 2016. In the 2014 midterm election, Democrat Paul Davis, then making an unsuccessful bid for governor, set up a campaign office in Iola that also was used by the local party.
Davis, now running for the U.S. 2nd District Congressional seat, attended Saturdays event and helped cut the ribbon to officially open the office.
The office will allow local Democrats to pick up campaign signs or gather for events like a phone bank, Mike Bruner, chairman of the Allen County Democratic Party, said.
Theres a lot of things to do during a campaign season, he said.
He credited Alana Cloutier with finding the building, which has a large open area to the right, with four smaller rooms on the left. That provides privacy for things like making phone calls in support of candidates, Cloutier said. The site could encourage more participation, especially from young supporters or those who are new to politics.
Humboldt is growing, and so is the Democratic Party. A lot of younger Democrats are interested in doing things like phone banking. They want a place they can go, she said. The main thing I liked about this space was the visibility, being right on the square.
The campaign headquarters will show the Democratic Party plans to be active in Allen County, Cloutier said. Ive had people tell me they didnt think there were any Democrats here, but there actually are a lot.
Bruner said the large turnout surprised him, especially because of other political events around the same time in the region. But even people from other counties stopped by for a few minutes to show support.
I think voters are served best when theres competition and I think, collectively, candidates are more responsive to voters when they have to work harder to get elected, Bruner said. Im a very big believer in the two-party system.
Those attending the event included Davis; Katrina Lewison, running mate for governor candidate Josh Svaty; David Toland, treasurer for governor candidate Laura Kelly; Marci Francisco, candidate for state treasurer; Bruner, who is running for county commission; and Steve Henderson, who is running for county commission. Each spoke briefly about their platforms.
Office hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The chapter will have its monthly meeting at 7 oclock tonight at the Moran Senior Center/ Community Center, with Rep. Adam Lusker of Frontenac speaking.
