Paulette Jordan addresses supporters after election returns.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
BOISE — Paulette Jordan lost her bid to become Idaho’s first Native American woman governor but said she was humbled by everything just to experience the campaign.
She lost the election to Idaho Lieutenant Governor Brad Little who told the Idaho Statesman he’s a constitutional conservative who strongly believes in the 10th amendment that limits federal power. He won 59.8 percent of the vote to Jordan’s 39.8 percent.
At the election returns November 6 at the Grove Hotel, supporters packed the room and cheered as she gave her final speech of the night.
She said our Idaho family is made up of indigenous people, “you’re traditional, you’re innovative.” “There were so many sacrifices to get this place, it began long time ago before any of us here in this room. My ancestors were of this land, keepers of this land, they shared life and left their bones in this land to protect this sacred place we call Idaho,” she continued. “They knew that one day we would return to lead as leaders and we would return to become part of the best effort – the most important part is caring for each other. They knew that we as a people would be needed.”
Jordan supporters gather at the Grove Hotel in Downtown Boise.
She said no matter who wins, we have already won – we will not disengage, we will not be silenced and we will not simply go away. This is our Idaho – this has been the greatest year of all of our lives and she’s honored to call them her friends, her relatives and her Idaho family. In a later interview she congratulated her sisters out there who won.
“I love to hear about the indigenous women who are running and are winning that’s what we want to see – when we run, we run together it’s a shared success. All of our tribes across the country are very proud to see that we have indigenous women who will be representing our tribal people in Congress — that’s very powerful lots of history making tonight – I’m very proud of my sisters and honored that we all come together.”
She encouraged young people to never give up they must always continue to fight, push ahead and maintain that optimism, “You have to think what your ancestors are thinking that they must be proud.” “Everyday as I ask myself how have I honored my ancestors today? Have I done more to give back to the people and continue to make sure the legacy of my people’s children is maintained?” “I know that all of our hard efforts have come to this moment,” Jordan continued.
“It’s already been a big win, we made a lot of history on multiple levels as we continue to make history for everyone’s sake. I’m thankful we have many young people in the next generation and they too can make a difference, they too can have an opportunity to do more.”