Ahrens announces run for Senate

SANDPOINT — Local Republicans have a new contender for the Idaho State Senate with Danielle Ahrens’ recent declaration of candidacy.

A Bonner County resident who ascribes strongly to conservative values and positions, Ahrens aims to give North Idaho Republicans a clear choice when it comes to the biggest issues in the state. She will be running against Sen. Shawn Keough for the Republican nomination in the May 20 primary election. “I am running because I don’t feel we are being represented well or listened to,” she said. “My opponent has been in nine terms — or 18 years — and is running for her 10th term. We need fresh, new leadership that isn’t a career politician and doesn’t owe any favors.”

As far as local issues are concerned, Ahrens cites job availability as the biggest plaguing North Idaho. While Bonner County and the rest of District 1 are great places to live, many people can’t afford to enjoy the recreational opportunities and rural friendliness that define the region due to a lack of well-paying jobs, Ahrens said.

Education also plays a central role to ensure residents are properly qualified to take on those jobs, and the local school district deserves full support from the state, she added. “I am sad to see so many friends and families leaving the area to look for work,” she said. “We have to work to encourage and develop our business base — and not just service jobs, but jobs to support a family, buy a home, and retire from.”

As a rancher and farmer, Ahrens supports taking measures to preserve the regional environment and encourage residents to purchase locally-made products. The repeal of Idaho’s health care exchange program is another key issue for Ahrens, who calls it a tax assessment program rather than a proper health care plan.

As a single mother with working experience in several different fields, Ahrens said she appreciates what everyday people go through regularly.

That’s why she’s made an effort to be a part of organizations like PTA, the Farm Bureau, Sandpoint Community Resources and Community Assistance League in addition to her recent public office efforts. While Ahrens lost her first bid for the party nomination in 2012, she’s confident that if enough individuals rally to her cause, she has a shot at the state legislature.

“I will represent you better than you have ever been represented before,” she said.