BREAKING NEWS: AG Beau Biden will not run for reelection; will run for Governor in 2016.

Filed in National by on April 17, 2014

Beau.1

BOOM. The game of musical chairs that is sometimes Delaware politics just got blown the frack up. But now that Mr. Biden is running for Governor, we expect a full and complete disclosure of his health issues will be forthcoming in the next week.

Here is the press release:

Attorney General Beau Biden on the 2014 & 2016 Elections

WILMINGTON–Attorney General Beau Biden sent the following letter to his supporters this morning on his intentions to run for Governor in 2016 and to forgo a race for Attorney General in 2014:

“For the past eight years, you have given me the privilege of serving as your Attorney General.

“Thanks to a group of extraordinary professionals at the Department of Justice and their tireless work — from protecting our children and getting criminals off the streets, to holding more accountable those responsible for the housing crisis — I believe we have made Delaware a better place to live and to raise a family.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished.

“As your Attorney General I have done my best to remain true to the core values I believe define public service – honesty, integrity, and doing right by the people I serve.

“Part of doing right by you is being straight with you about my future plans.

“Over the past few months, as I’ve been planning to run for reelection, I have also been giving a great deal of thought to running for Governor in 2016. What started as a thought — a very persistent thought — has now become a course of action that I wish to pursue.

“After careful consideration, I have concluded that it is not right to ask for your support in 2014, knowing that my focus would be divided between doing my job as Attorney General while at the same time running as a candidate for Governor.

“Therefore, I am announcing today that I will not seek reelection as your Attorney General this November.

“The Office of Attorney General is a four-year commitment. Its responsibilities are too significant, and the voters’ trust too important not to give it my complete and undivided attention. It should not be, nor can it become, a two-year staging ground for another elected office.

“In the meantime, there’s a lot more work to do over the next eight months, and I intend to get it done. After my term is completed, I look forward to meeting with Delawareans and continuing to discuss my plans as a candidate for Governor.

“Please know that the opportunity to serve you in this office is and always has been a tremendous honor.

“Thank you for the faith you’ve placed in me.”

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  1. PainesMe says:

    Someone call Lisa Goodman.

  2. Delaware Dem says:

    So now, who the hell runs for AG? On either side. Ferris Wharton is damaged goods, so he cannot run. Matt Denn?

    How about Matt Denn running for AG, then have Markell appoint Biden as LG, unless of course Biden wants to run for Governor attacking the Markell Administration….

    Oh the possibilities.

  3. MikeM2784 says:

    Biden will run to the right of Denn and Denn will be the progressive candidate

  4. Geezer says:

    When will Delaware rid itself of this family of leeches?

  5. Delaware Dem says:

    Possibly. But I wonder if Biden doesn’t clear the field now, at least on the Democratic side.

    Oh, and by the way, I think this is a clear indication that Vice President Joe Biden will not be running for President.

  6. Delaware Dem says:

    LOL, Geezer and his hatred of all things Biden. I suppose when the voters tire of him and vote him out.

  7. AQC says:

    Has Denn said anything either way about running for governor?

  8. Geezer says:

    LOL my ass. Give me a reason to vote for him. Please base it on anything Beau has done, rather than his name or his personal characteristics.

  9. Delaware Dem says:

    No, but I have heard that late last year Denn had begun making the necessary preparations, talking to the necessary people, but then all of those preparations stopped.

  10. Geezer says:

    This is why Denn isn’t running. This obviously has been in the works for a while, and Beau’s lack of health is not going to get in the way of Joe’s plans.

    It was disgraceful enough when all Delaware deferred to the du Ponts, who at least could brag about building the state. What can the Bidens brag about? All the failed business ventures of Joe’s brothers? Joe’s refusal to pay his bills around town? HIs getting rich on a public salary? His pimping his other son out to MBNA, HArry Reid style?

    This is a family of cretins, and you dumb saps are in love with them.

  11. Delaware Dem says:

    @Geezer, Hey, I’m not a Beau defender, but I’m not reflexively anti-Beau either. He has been a relatively good Attorney General, and I say that unaware of any horrible office mismanagement or case failures. So while my preferred candidate would be Denn, I don’t have a reason other than his silence on his health to vote against him.

  12. Delaware Dem says:

    Geezer,

    Why are they a family of cretins? Seriously, what horrible crimes have they committed, other than being a political dynasty?

  13. HoHum says:

    My guess is that Beau is not well enough to run for reelection and he’s just throwing this out as a placeholder. 2016 is a long way off. Matt Denn for Governor!

  14. AAuen says:

    Biden has the DuPont Case plus the fact that he hasn’t done anything for Wilmington crime, he will win… but only because of the name

  15. MikeM2784 says:

    I truly hope Denn is still in the game; he has been an advocate for education in the state and has remained humble throughout his two terms. He knows Delaware and the issues that affect Delawareans better than Biden, and faces less open hostility from the Republican establishment that is (obviously) anti-dynasty even though they will vote for anyone named Bush that comes along. I think he would have a good chance if he’s willing to make the fight. Carney needs to accept his happy fate – there are worse jobs than Representative.

  16. Geezer says:

    I don’t have time to type the full list at the moment.

  17. Delaware Dem says:

    Well, do so at some point. I honestly want to know.

  18. Delaware Dem says:

    Meanwhile, Chris Coons: “Beau Biden has been an effective Attorney General and I’m sorry to see him leave this critical law enforcement office. He has a lot to offer our state and I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”

  19. SussexWatcher says:

    Matt Denn for AG. Let’s go!

  20. anon says:

    I’d rather see Beau replace Carper. I’m a “Matt Denn for Governor” supporter. Denn doesn’t seem interested in the politics, just being a decent man and doing a good job.

  21. Artichoke says:

    What has Beau done as attorney general that shows he is the right person to lead our state? Would he have any chance to win or raise the campaign funds he needs if it were not for his last name? He’s regressive on justice issues which is where we should see leadership from his office. He’s fought against death penalty repeal. His father is much more an actual progressive… This is disappointing.

  22. Linda says:

    Completely agree with HoHum. Too ill to run for re-election but allowing time for things to change. Its a smart move, if not insensitive to other gubernatorial candidates in waiting.

  23. MikeM2784 says:

    I don’t think he would have specifically mentioned running for governor in 2016 if he didn’t fully intend on doing so and being healthy enough to go full throttle. He could have been generic and referenced “future political opportunities,” but he instead was quite blunt and specific.

  24. SussexAnon says:

    Is he another socially liberal fiscally conservative business friendly Democrat?

    I would like to know now rather than find out halfway through his first term.

  25. Delaware Dem says:

    Chairman John Daniello: “Attorney General Beau Biden just announced his plans for a 2016 gubernatorial race and to forgo a race for Attorney General in 2014. I admire the Attorney General for being forthright about his intentions to run for governor. He has done quality work for the state and should be proud of his accomplishments.

    In the short term, I am sad to see him leave, but I am proud of him for his honesty about his goals and in giving other people the opportunity to run for office. Our primary focus remains the 2014 election. Over the next few days and weeks we will work to recruit a qualified candidate for Attorney General and continue to support our current slate of Democratic candidates.”

  26. Linda says:

    I think if Beau had announced he wasn’t running for office to pursue “future political opportunities,” it would have been the nail in the coffin on his political career.

  27. Geezer says:

    I agree with Linda. If he simply said he wasn’t running, everyone would assume it’s because of his health.

  28. Aint's Taking it No More says:

    Two points:

    1.

  29. Linda says:

    And to piggy-back off of Geezer’s Biden-skepticism, I fully believe that Beau would try to capture front-runner status in the 2016 gubernatorial election, even if he does not now know if he will actually run. That’s class Biden. All that said, I really like Beau, hope his health is good and improves, and that he DOES run for Governor in 2016.

  30. Geezer says:

    I disagree about him running for governor — I don’t believe he has done even a small fraction of the amount of good Matt Denn has for the people of Delaware — but I agree with the rest.

  31. cassandra m says:

    I’m with Geezer here — I don’t know that Biden has enough of a resume to deserve a promotion to Governor. Unlike Matt Denn.

    Just thinking about Wilmington — the half-done implementation of the Crime Free Rental Housing Program (even though Dan Logan has clearly been doing the best he can); the ineffective prosecutions of those brought in by the WPD and the fact that he couldn’t even show up to advocate for his own gun bill. AG Biden is a perfectly pleasant man, but — my fellow Delawareans — it is time to start electing people because of a resume rather than because of tribal allegiance.

  32. The real story is that he’s not well enough to run for reelection. He’s trying to clear the field for himself for 2016…should he be healthy enough to run then. Which he may or not be.

    No press conference, just a letter to ‘supporters’.

    What a fucking charade.

    BTW, if he can’t run for governor in 2016, he likely will have effectively cleared the field for Joe’s designated stand-in…Tom Gordon.

    I cannot quantify the amount of cynicism that went into this announcement. Utter self-serving bullshit.

  33. Aint's Taking it Any More says:

    As I was saying before I was cut-off:

    1. Beau Biden’s health must be a much bigger issue. I wish him well on a full recovery and expect that most folks would at least give him that. Regardless of his performance as AG, he is entitled to our collective well wishes for better health.

    2. His handling of the AG’s office was abysmal. (1) The office willingly played the dirtiest of politics with Tony Deluca and Markel’s election finance issues. The results of which are historically embarrassing; (2) the office chased the lowest hanging fruit – those unable to afford to defend themselves (read: poor, read: black) – the corollary being that those could afford to defend themselves fared unreasonably better (read Richards); (3) he demeaned those accused – guilty/not guilty everyone is entitled to respect – routinely posting publicity pictures of those arrested, not yet found guilty, is humiliating, demeaning and contrary to our core belief that we are all innocent until proven guilty and even then, when found guilty, civilized society always owes the guilty their dignity; (4) the office’s handling of civil matters was too often driven by mob hysteria rather than a credible legal case (read: some developers/ businesses); (5) his office was wholly ineffective and genuinely uninterested in protecting Delaware citizens from the rise of technology crimes (read: identify theft/read: bad retailers/read: bad credit card issuers); (6) the protect children platform that he ran on was a farce from start to finish – it surely sounded good but what is the legacy of that effort – nothing more than we prosecuted cases and posted pictures; (7) the office, like every AG before him, has refused to open up DELJIS records for public scrutiny – this fundamentally undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system (read: how do we know that Richards got off easy, read: how do we know that the poor or minorities are receiving equal treatment) – the impact of this information void is incalculable as the lack of knowledge breeds bad policy, and legitimate yet remediable mistrust in government; (8) the office moral is horrible and why not (read: not having the back of your staff, i.e., hanging them out to dry); (9) the office was more often than not run by others – some of whom were slop browed morons with a law degree, at best (excluding Gebelein).

    The citizens of this State deserved better.

  34. John Manifold says:

    Because it’s always about Geezer.

  35. Calvin Sparks says:

    In my opinion Beau is not going to run for reelection for two reasons. First reason being, Beau for the sake of his health, needs the time to recuperate before he runs for Governor. He had some sort of medical procedure done to him in Houston, what that was, anyone’s guess is as good as mine, hopefully we’ll know soon. The Second reason being, he has a lot of heat on him from the Du Pont case, and rightfully so. Because of the Du Pont case, he is on the defensive, and you cannot run for higher office if your playing defense. Beau, I believe is hoping the heat from this recent case blows over. It is definitely going to be interesting to see what happens. Will there be a primary, or will Denn run for Attorney general himself? The wheel that is Delaware politics keeps on turning!

  36. Geezer says:

    @John Manifold: Grow a ball. You’ll find one is better than none.

  37. Time to think of campaign slogans:

    “If you liked me as AG, you’ll LOVE me as Governor.”

    Uh, wait…

  38. Perry says:

    I basically agree completely with Cassandra.

    A Governor Beau Biden can use this position as a step toward becoming a presidential candidate, i.e., the dynasty approach. He may have his eye on being Hillary’s VP, then on to the top.

    The fact that he currently refuses to disclose his health is disturbing, not to mention that the current truth of the matter might in itself disqualify him from serious consideration for higher office.

    In my view, Matt Denn is unquestionably the one most qualified to be our next Governor, in terms of both his temperament and his record.

  39. JJ Anon says:

    I don’t think it’s Beau versus Matt. I think if Beau doesn’t run, John Carney runs. Either way, I think Matt steps aside. And when it comes to Beau versus John, there is no question who is more liberal.

  40. ben says:

    How could Beau be Hillary’s VP? He would become governor the same year she becomes president and, barring a big problem, she’d already have one. 2032 maybe?

  41. Perry says:

    Hillary’s VP in 2020.

  42. liberalgeek says:

    When’s the last time that a President ran for a second term with a different person than their current Veep?

  43. Delaware Dem says:

    Technically, 1976, with President Ford. Rockefeller was his VP, but he nominated Bob Dole to be his running mate.

    Before that, 1940 and 1944. VP Garner didn’t run for a 3rd term, so FDR chose Henry Wallace. In 1944, the “establishment” was looking for a more conservative option to be President than Wallace (because everyone knew FDR wasn’t long for this world), so they chose Truman.

  44. Delaware Dem says:

    Perry,

    So which poor soul are we killing off before 2020? O’Malley? Castro?

  45. ben says:

    oh, i got it!
    in 2014, the GOP takes MASSIVE control of congress. They pass a law saying the VP is actually the runner up….. knowing they will NEVER win another presidency…. in hopes they “inherit” it.
    Feeling nostalgic for caving in, Obama signs it into law. BOOM. republican VP in 2016.
    by 2018, America has realized (again) that Republicans are basically cancer, the dems re-take congress, change the law, Hillary needs a REAL VP…. enter Beau. PLOT TWIST… a law is also passed only permitting the Bidens to be VP.

  46. SussexWatcher says:

    Denn is telling TNJ he is considering a run for AG. Also for Governor in 2016.

  47. liberalgeek says:

    I can’t decide whether Denn is trolling TNJ or Biden or both…

  48. SussexWatcher says:

    Why do you think he’s trolling, and what exactly do you mean?

  49. X Stryker says:

    Denn’s the only decent progressive we have at a statewide level. We need some of our better legislators to move up.

  50. citydem says:

    I just pray for his health and his families future – all the rest is …..

  51. puck says:

    “when it comes to Beau versus John, there is no question who is more liberal.a’

    OK, I’ll bite. Who is it?

  52. Lazy Reader says:

    Aw c’mon folks. Under Beau’s leadership, the “happy ending” massage joints are back in larger numbers than when Delaware got rid of them a few years ago, which keeps it off the streets. I mean, sure the girls might not all have what you call “valid passports”, but it’s easy to lose them in a dark shipping container during an ocean voyage. The AG’s hands-off approach toward these human trafficking operations is as refreshing as a “free table shower”.

  53. Delaware Dem says:

    Puck, I was going to ask the same question.

    To be fair to Beau, he has spent the last 8 years burnishing law and order credentials. I will have to take a look at his record to see what can be deemed progressive or conservative actions. For example: for gun control = progressive.; for death penalty = conservative.

    As for John Carney, I still do not have a real sense as to what he really believes except to say he is a mini Carper, so that does not speak well of being a progressive.

  54. Delaware Dem says:

    As for Denn’s statement, you heard it here first! I just knew Denn would now jump into the AG race.

  55. AQC says:

    I would support Matt Denn in whatever he decided to run for.

  56. Love the idea of Denn running for AG in 2014 and keeping the door open to a 2016 Gov challenge.

    He will demonstrate in two years, just as he did as IC, that he can effectively work with the General Assembly to get progressive legislation enacted. When one considers Biden’s failings, perhaps the most surprising to me was his inability to work effectively with legislators. I think he’ll also demonstrate that he can work more effectively with the General Assembly than Jack Markell has, up to now. An important skill for a governor.

    Let’s face it. Matt can have a much larger impact as AG than as Lt. Gov. My lawn needs a sign.

  57. anon says:

    Chip Flowers for AG, Sean Barney for ST.

  58. Tim says:

    Why no Tom Gordon for gov talk??

  59. Tim: I’ve decided to post tomorrow’s Delaware Political Weekly piece tonight. You just may find something about that in there…stay tuned.

  60. Artichoke says:

    MDAG14!

    That would be great if Matt Denn ran for AG. Then if he primaried Beau in 2016, we could directly compare them both as AGs and see which one stood up for Delawareans.

  61. LeBay says:

    Tim-

    Convicted criminals usually don’t run for Governor in Delaware.

  62. Will says:

    “Convicted criminals usually don’t run for Governor in Delaware.”

    Ha! I’d run…I’d get my ass kicked, but I’d do it. I’m with you guys though. Denn would be miles better than Carney or Biden. When I first saw this story about Beau trying to take the governor’s office in ’16, I figured it was pretty much a foregone conclusion. After reading the articles and comments on this site though, and seeing him in last place on the poll, I’m hopeful we can avoid that eventuality.

  63. Turk 184 says:

    @Geezer4/17 11:33: “Joe’s refusal to pay his bills around town?”

    I’m really surprised there has been little to no discussion of this in the media, particularly given his national position. It’s been whispered around the State for years, and I have heard it from sources who have been directly involved.
    That said, the national news had a clip of Biden visiting the newly opened Capriotti’s in DC a few months ago. Biden was on a photo-op, picking up subs for lunch with the Prez. The staff tried to give him the subs for free, but he said “No, in Delaware we pay our bills.” Diet Coke shot out of my nose when I heard that. (Which kinda stings, btw.)

  64. Tom McKenney says:

    I’m guessing plans and agreements have been made by all the players. It would not be unusual in this state for politicians to prearrange who’s running for what.

  65. cassandra m says:

    I’m really surprised there has been little to no discussion of this in the media, particularly given his national position.

    Current Oppo Research efforts are thorough and brutal. If there is no discussion of Biden’s bill non-payment (and I have no first hand knowledge of this), it says to me that: 1) There’s no story there, just whispers; 2) That none of the folks directly involved will speak about it to the people who will make sure it gets known; or 3) That this isn’t especially important. I’m a fan of theory #2.

  66. Tom McKenney says:

    Since we are all speculating how about this. Carney will run for governor because he rather be in Delaware, Denn runs foe AG because he wants more time with his family, and Biden runs for rep. waiting for Carper to resign and then take his place in the senate.

  67. John Manifold says:

    “His getting rich on a public salary?”

    Vapid accusation indeed. One of the right-wing talking points in 2008 was how JRBjr had lower net worth than almost any other Senator.

  68. Geezer says:

    Was it a vapid accusation when Celia Cohen reported the sweetheart real estate deals that made him his money? The do-nothing $100,000 job Hunter had with MBNA?

    Do you consider all the people living on Barley Mill Road to be “not rich”? Or just not as rich as other senators, many of whom made their money in the private sector themselves?

    Do you spend all your time polishing the knobs of fake Democrats, or do you have a private-sector job?

  69. John Manifold says:

    Swinging wildly, like the Barn Door souse we all love.

  70. Turk 184 says:

    Cassandra – Yes, Oppo Research is brutal and I’ve wondered the same question myself. I’m leaning towards explanation #2 as well. It just seems that if a few, well-vetted stories come out, the dam will break.

  71. Geezer says:

    At least I’m not an apologist for the worst assholes in the Delaware Democratic Party.

    The Barn Door was a long time ago, and I no longer drink. You, on the other hand, still blow Democrats.

  72. John Manifold says:

    Tank town talk show bully [even Joe Pyne graduated past WILM] has bizarre fixation, draping all insults with imagery of gay sex.

  73. Geezer says:

    It’s metaphorical, the implication being that the only way you could suck up to the powerful any more would be to do so literally. Sorry it was so far over your head.

    Since I don’t know who you are, I’m sorry I can’t tailor the insults more to your individual personality traits. The one you show here is suggestive of excessive forelock-tugging in the presence of any Democrat in high office.

    Even Joe Biden graduated from being Delaware’s buffoon to the nation’s. How about you?

  74. Geezer says:

    Since you switched to ad hominem, I’ll assume you have no actual defense for the Bidens. Didn’t think so.