Where Polly Stands
Polly Adams Mervine’s candidacy for the Senate was launched on Monday, and she has a campaign website up and running too. He campaign slogans: “Roots Run Deep in Sussex,” and “Another Generation of Leadership,” in case it was not obvious already that she is Adams’ daughter. Her campaign is also on Facebook and you can follow her on Twitter.
As an aside, I always wonder how the loved ones of deceased longtime politicians find the strength to run for their loved one’s old seat while in the midst of grieving that loved one. It would seem to be too much for me, but it happens more often than you think. I suppose it gives the family something to concentrate on so as to get on with life, and I suppose it gives the loved ones a sense of honoring their late father. But I digress
And on her website she has an issues section, some of which I will take issue with, and some of which I will not:
This Senate district is remarkably diverse, ranging from farm fields and forests to close-knit towns like Milton and Ellendale, Georgetown, Greenwood and Bridgeville; from traditional ways of thinking to the cutting edge of new ideas.
I am no expert on Western Sussex County, but is the 19th remarkably diverse, at least in the way you and I think of diversity? Usually when you think of diversity you think of differences. A district that included urban areas and rural small towns would be diverse, for example. When I think of Western Sussex, I think of similarities, not diversity. Onto the actual issues:
1. We must ensure that our state continues its proud tradition of balanced budgets and strong financial management without placing the burden of higher taxes on our residents.
Good, we all want that.
2. We must strive for a smaller and better-organized state government.
Good, I wanted a better organized and efficient government too. As for small, I think that is a conservative pipe dream that would have us believe the entire federal and state government can be run by five part-timers on a collective salary of $100,000. It sounds nice, but it is ridiculous to implement.
3. We need to support our small businesses and our farmers in Delaware because they provide the majority of jobs in our state.
Agree. But how?
4. We must also work hard to bring new business to Delaware to create more higher-paying jobs and to ensure a strong economy for our children and future generations.
Again, nothing objectionable here.
5. Having a teaching background, as well as being the mother of a son entering High School, I have first-hand knowledge of the need to keep educational system a priority. I will strive to improve our schools to make them the best schools in the nation.
Once again, nothing objectionable here.
I dare say that all Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals, share the above objectives and goals. The differences and partisanship comes when we get to the details, and what government can do about it. For example, I want an efficient and better organized government, but I want it to do something for the people it represents, like provide health care and social security and education. Conservatives just want a small and incompetent government that provides no oversight and regulation, and whose only purpose is to bomb foreign countries every once and a while to prove that America is #1.
But those are just minor details. And in Sussex County, I suppose it is best not to get into those minor details.
Comment by anon on 15 July 2009 at 8:21 am:
WTF? Her Issues page is cribbed from Republican talking points. The slate isn’t so blank after all.
Comment by 4AnonBlondes on 15 July 2009 at 8:30 am:
how… faux
Comment by sillypoorperson on 15 July 2009 at 8:37 am:
diverse, at least in the way you and I think of diversity?
are you kidding? who do you think works those farms, speaking of which, back to work for me. Hope boss man doesn’t see my blackberry!
Comment by sillypoorperson on 15 July 2009 at 8:40 am:
the burden of higher taxes on our residents
cough cough harrington cough cough
Comment by sillypoorperson on 15 July 2009 at 8:41 am:
3. We need to support our small businesses and our farmers in Delaware because they provide the majority of jobs in our state.
welfare for almight whitey! we need subsidies and federal government backed crop insurance god damnit
Obama is the devil!
Comment by sillypoorperson on 15 July 2009 at 8:42 am:
I know I’m dumb b/c I’m lazy but is there a “how” she plans on doing it?
with her looks?
Comment by anoni on 15 July 2009 at 8:57 am:
4AnonBlondes… Great Nom de Plume!
Comment by Geezer on 15 July 2009 at 9:00 am:
Sure, SPP. She inherited Daddy’s desk drawer.
Comment by MJ on 15 July 2009 at 9:05 am:
Empty slogans, from all of the candidates in the 19th. This is one of those elections where some people are going to say to themselves “why bother?”
Comment by jason330 on 15 July 2009 at 9:05 am:
Worst fears realized.
Comment by Miscreant on 15 July 2009 at 9:18 am:
“…campaign slogans: “Roots Run Deep in Sussex,” and “Another Generation of Leadership,” …”
*Same Bigotry, Nicer Package*
Comment by anon on 15 July 2009 at 9:42 am:
There is nothing on her site that remotely qualifies her as a Democrat. I don’t see any Democratic issues mentioned at all. She doesn’t even use the word Democrat. There is a picture of a donkey on the banner. Well, it’s either a donkey or a devil-goat, I can’t tell.
“Given the choice between a Republican and someone who acts like a Republican, people will vote for the real Republican all the time”
I’m OK if a Republican wins this seat. At least then we’d have a chance to win it with a real Democrat in this lifetime.
Comment by Geezer on 15 July 2009 at 9:43 am:
Good one, Mis. You missed your calling as a campaign manager.
Comment by anoni on 15 July 2009 at 9:47 am:
is it mean to ask what color are those deep roots?
only her hairdresser knows.
Comment by jason330 on 15 July 2009 at 9:48 am:
I’m OK if a Republican wins this seat. At least then we’d have a chance to win it with a real Democrat in this lifetime.
Maybe when Booth dies. Have you noticed how many incumbent Senators have lost over the past 30 years?
Having said that, based on the web-site, Polly is no dem. We don’t need Dixiecrats.
Comment by anon on 15 July 2009 at 9:53 am:
Have you noticed how many incumbent Senators have lost over the past 30 years?
Good point. But however unlikely, there is still more of a chance to defeat a Republican than to successfully primary an entrenched Adams. God forbid this woman gets seniority and committee assignments.
Comment by jason330 on 15 July 2009 at 9:59 am:
I don’t think party affiliations mean much in West Bumbfuck. In anything being a Democrat in West Bumbfuck could be a sign of low morals and suspect values.
Comment by Republican David on 15 July 2009 at 11:00 am:
I am glad that you guys admit that being pro-small business, desiring to reform education, fighting higher taxes, and standing for smaller government are republican ideas. My job is done.
I do agree that she seems to be going around saying that I care as if the other 3 candidates don’t. The question is how do you achieve the results?
Comment by Mike Matthews on 15 July 2009 at 12:04 pm:
Ugh…the governor has just sent out a press release asking for money for the Adams Mervine campaign. I called this last night when I heard through the grapevine that Gov. Markell was begging some of his corporate big-wig friends to make a donation.
Comment by jason330 on 15 July 2009 at 12:09 pm:
Not surprising given the fact that from his perspective a “D” is a “D”
I just have to say once more for the record that it cracks me up when people say that Delawareliberal is partisan.
Comment by Unstable Isotope on 15 July 2009 at 12:09 pm:
I think Adams Mervine is pretty much a blank slate right now. We really have no idea where she stands besides the generic “make things better” kind of sloganeering. Will she win? I think she has a shot, especially with a 4-way race. The thing she has going against her is the obvious split in the Democratic party in Sussex.
Comment by Mike Matthews on 15 July 2009 at 12:10 pm:
I’ve Google Doc’d the presser here.
Comment by jason330 on 15 July 2009 at 12:15 pm:
So Mike, are you sending in your $600?
Comment by 4AnonBlondes on 15 July 2009 at 12:35 pm:
The Booth-Opaliski split isn’t helping their side either. Alot of bad blood for both mainstream candidates.
Comment by PI on 15 July 2009 at 1:43 pm:
Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray to God we not keep this seat. If I should die before I wake, I hope it’s a race the R’s will take. Amen
And, as for Jack’s campaign request, I’m struggling to NOT respond sarcastically.
Comment by PI on 15 July 2009 at 1:52 pm:
I see on her website that she has Karen Weldin Stewart in her corner. Oh Boy! That really excites me! I’m overwhelmed…nearly speechless. Now, if we can just get KHN down there on the other side of Polly, we’ll have a real trifecta! loser, loser and loser.
Comment by anoni on 15 July 2009 at 3:06 pm:
“In anything being a Democrat in West Bumbfuck could be a sign of low morals and suspect values.”
Heck, that’s true everwhere!
Comment by Dave M. on 15 July 2009 at 3:12 pm:
KWS is backing Mervine?
Words fail……
Comment by xstryker on 15 July 2009 at 10:00 pm:
If Booth would be a vote for Sorenson over Simpson, he’d be an improvement. I don’t see that happening, so I’m going to have to root against Booth (from the sidelines). Adams Mervine will be an improvement over the late Sen. Adams simply by virtue of not being able to wield the mighty desk drawer. Her votes might be just as bad, but without Thurman’s power, they will be far less consequential. And I confess, I do think the Senate could use another woman to narrow the gender gap, all else being equal.
I will say that the Libertarian candidate (Wendy Jones) would be an improvement all around – but I just don’t see how a 3rd party can win in Delaware.
Comment by Suzanne on 16 July 2009 at 10:34 am:
I am an Out and Proud Democrat in Eastern West Bumbfuck. Oh year, I forget, thats why my dearly beloved was told she is UNELECTABLE.
I am tired of Democrats that are Dems in name only — can we have a few more real ones here in Sussex please.
All I can say is that I am glad it isn ‘t a House seat we are talking about!!!
Pingback by Around the Horn Friday : DelawareLiberal.Net on 17 July 2009 at 9:08 am:
[...] John Tobin highlights all four candidates’ websites. Anderson had the same reaction to Polly Adams Mervine’s campaign website as I did. [...]