Jordan: Last Democrat standing in entire Idaho panhandle

If you thought the Idaho Legislature couldn’t get more Republican, think again.

Tuesday’s election results bumped up the GOP supermajority in the Idaho Legislature from 80 percent to 84 percent, as Republicans picked up one Senate seat and three seats in the House. There’s now just one Democrat serving in the Idaho Legislature from north of Boise – Rep. Paulette Jordan, D-Plummer.

“I think we’re lucky to have her there,” said House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, who lost his own re-election bid. “But it will be a lonely ride home on the weekends, that’s for sure.”

Jordan, in a statement posted on Facebook Wednesday morning, said, “I am proud of my team for staying the course, remaining positive and upholding our dignity above all. Truth and integrity will always prevail. While it is bittersweet to win in such a large loss both local and national, we must remain hopeful and optimistic that our vision of equality and balance will soon be achieved.”

Jordan is a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and first-term representative who eked out a narrow win over GOP challenger Carl Berglund/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.