Delaware (Let’s Face It, Not Really…) Political Weekly: Feb. 5-11, 2016

1. Joe Daigle Enters Three-Way D Primary for 7th RD Seat.

I must say I’m impressed.  If the name seems familiar, it is because Daigle and his husband Dan Cole were the first gay couple not already in a civil union to be married in Delaware following the passage of marriage equality. Both were also active in the battle for marriage equality, with Joe testifying on behalf of the bill in Legislative Hall. If you browse through his website, you will notice that the partnership is front and center in his campaign.  That’s remarkable for now, but I think we all hope that it will become commonplace going forward.  Former State Rep. Dave Brady and Ashbourne Hills Civic Association leader Robert Cameron have also filed. BTW, I see that Joe is a member of the Arden Club. (Shameless Plug Alert: Joe, if you and Dan attend this great concert that I’m producing this Saturday night at the Hall, first drink is on me!)

2. A Three-Way R Primary for Sussex County Council.

Kevin Burdette has filed for the primary already featuring disgraced former Smyrna Mayor Mark Schaeffer and D-turned-R Frank Shade. Don’t click on the supposed website at the Department of Elections site.  You won’t find out anything about Burdette, and you will find yourself in godaddy.com Hell. Here’s what I’ve gleaned about Burdette. He’s a well driller and a self-proclaimed ’20-year student of county government’.

3.  New Candidate for Wilmington City Council.

Michelle Harlee, running for the seat currently held by Hanifa Shabazz.  She is ‘President of the Compton Park Square Civic Association, VP of 4th District Neighborhood Planning Council, East Side Risen Organization, Board of Director of Stepping Stones Credit Union, and 4th District Wilmington City Committee’. I hereby defer to Cassandra for more context.

4. Lisa Blunt Rochester Still Hasn’t Filed for US Congress.

Probably means nothing, but it’s a slow week.

5. Three R’s Have Qualified for the Delaware Presidential Primary.

Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, and John Kasich.

5. Other Filings:

State Rep. Larry Mitchell (13th RD), wouldn’t hurt to see someone primary this staunch death penalty supporter; County Councilman John Cartier (8th CD); Justen Wright for  Wilmington City Council President, he’s currently an at-large member of Council;  Kent County Levy Court Commissioner/President Brooks Banta; and  Kent County Levy Court Commissioner George Sweeney.

I’ll almost certainly be back next week.  Unless I’m not.