Democrats powered by goals of the New West

Harry Reid

Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008 | 2 a.m.

The decisions to move Nevada to the front of the primary nominating calendar and to host the 2008 convention in Denver demonstrate that Democrats recognize the New West — the new face of America in the 21st century — is key to the party’s long-term success.

To deliver the change America needs, we of course need the support of independent and moderate Republican voters. The key is ensuring we share with them our clear vision of the opportunities that lie ahead for our region and our country.

As a center of innovation in renewable energy technologies and home to an enormous stock of resources, the New West is set to position the United States as a leader in the coming global clean energy revolution. In addition to a booming clean energy industry, our region is home to a growing number of high-tech and knowledge-based jobs that will form an engine for American prosperity for years to come.

The West is experiencing some of the fastest population growth, economic development and demographic changes anywhere in the country, and the nation’s political focus is shifting accordingly. New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and even Montana are expected to be battleground states in November. Together, their 22 electoral votes outnumber those of either Pennsylvania or Ohio. The Intermountain West is anticipated to net at least three more electoral votes after the 2010 census, and by midcentury Arizona alone will outweigh Ohio in the Electoral College.

A recent study by the influential Brookings Institution deemed the Intermountain West “the New American Heartland,” saying that “in fact, thanks to such maturation, the southern Intermountain West is well on its way to earning itself the title of the New American Heartland, as its economy, people and politics become more central to the nation. Politically, the Intermountain West could ... play the storied ‘kingmaker’ role the Midwest now does.”

The rapid influx of new residents from coastal and Northern areas, along with growth in the Hispanic community, is changing the political landscape of the West. The region’s electorate is increasingly urban, diverse and youthful — all favorable trends for Democrats — and rural communities are leaning toward independent Democrats who stand up to protect their land, water and way of life.

Across the New West, Democrats are enjoying a string of successes. Here in Nevada, 2008 looks to be a major turning point. Turnout in the early Democratic presidential caucus exceeded expectations and left the party with a 60,000-voter advantage in statewide registration.

Settlers in this region came for a new beginning, with a fiercely independent and pioneering character, to stake their claim in the frontier West. While demographic transition and population growth created an opening for our party, Democrats have been able to win in the West by offering common-sense solutions and forward-thinking leadership in that spirit.

Nowhere is this clearer than with alternative energy. Western Democrats are leading their states, and the nation, toward a future powered by clean, renewable energy while creating good jobs and protecting the natural beauty of the West.

A new generation of visionary leaders and a rapidly changing electorate are helping Democrats make significant gains in the political frontier of the New West. As it continues to grow rapidly in size and sway, the region will be the key to building a new 21st century.

Harry Reid, a Democrat, is Senate majority leader.