BREAKING: Bryon Short Drops Out
Campaigns take an unbelievable amount of money to win. Although we have consecutively raised more money each quarter than the previous, I do not believe my campaign is on track to raise the necessary resources to get our message out in such a crowded field of candidates. After much thought, I have decided to end my campaign for U.S. Congress.
Delaware needs a member of Congress who can cut through political nonsense and get things done. It is my hope and my belief that Americans will reject the ugly politics of the past several years and focus on electing people with a positive vision for our future. I am confident that Delaware’s next Representative will be one of those people.
I am incredibly grateful to all of the people who supported me in this campaign and through the years. Thank you. Your support means more to me than I will ever be able to express.
So what happens now? Does Short run for reelection in the 7th RD? There is already a crowded primary there, so do those Democrats stay in? In the Congressional race, Short was the establishment candidate. Establishment support will now likely be divided between the new Delaware resident Lisa Blunt Rochester and Sean Barney. Townsend remains the progressive candidate. I think this race will eventually come down to Townsend v. Rochester. With Short bowing out, I cannot wait to see the financials for the first quarter.
Carperdyne Industries paring down the product lines?
I need to patent that name, Carperdyne Industries. What does it say about Carper et al that their hand picked candidate Bryon Short could not raise the money?
This has the scent of someone telling him he needs to get out so the race can consolidate in favor of ____________. I’m guessing Barney will be the beneficiary here. I predict Townsend or Rochester will be the eventual nominee.
PS Love how the TNJ story completely ignores Mike Miller’s candidacy.
I completely ignore Mike Miller’s candidacy too.
Are we certain that LBR is not also part of Carperdyne Industries? I ask because I hear a number of former Minner associates singing her praises.
Serious question — I really have no idea.
Bryon Short is a very classy guy and has been a good state Representative and public servant. Best of luck to him in all future endeavors.
Yes. That’s true. While we don’t need another John Carney in DC, Short is a decent guy who will no doubt land on his feet.
He is a very good man who does truly care about the people he serves.
Why do you insist Townsend is anymore progressive than Barney or Blunt Rochester? Because he didn’t work for Senator Carper?
Go Lisa!!
That had to be a tough decision for Bryon Short, especially after he gave up a run for another term in the General Assembly.
He could still run for State Rep, the filing deadline isn’t for three months….I don’t know if he’d want to with the crowded primary, but I think he’d clear the field.
My prediction is that Bryon Short will end up as Governor Carney’s Economic Development Director in January.
You are probably right, Chris.
CF, the thing is that while Lisa and Sean may be progressive, they don’t yet have the record and history to prove it. Bryan Townsend does. So I will go with the proven progressive for now.
There’s no doubt that the heavy hand of Carper was behind this. Carper didn’t anticipate either Barney’s or Rochester’s campaigns when he backed Short. Short worked for Carper, and is firmly in the Carper/Carney mold. Never forget the fact that the ONLY reason Carney has a political career at all is b/c Carper insisted that Ruth Ann back him for Lt. Governor in exchange for Carper’s wholehearted support. Short is precisely the type of ‘team player’ (meaning, no vision of his own) that Carney says he wants.
One of the reasons that Short was having difficulty raising money is b/c the Carper corporatistas had to sit on the sidelines with Carper having three dogs in the hunt.
I have no doubt that Short has already been assured of a six-figure job in a Carney Administration. Part of the incentive to get him out of the race. At that salary, he will be underqualified for whatever position is given to him.
I suspect that Carper would also love to see Barney exit stage right into yet another lucrative ‘team player’ position. Carper wants his people in office. Townsend is not one of his people. At that point, all the Carper lobbyist and bundler buds will send Lisa Blunt Rochester max contributions.
I don’t think Short will run again for State Rep. He gets paid through Election Day, and then he will be one of Carney’s first hires, likely at double his legislative salary. BANK on it.
El Som
Great analysis. spot on.
Can I offer a different take? I don’t dismiss El Som’s view, but sense that another factor caused this early surrender, namely energy.
Bryon Short, like most multi-term legislators, may have entered this race thinking that all roads lead to Frazier’s [or McGlynn’s or Dover Downs], and was out of practice. Remember how Dave Ennis blithely thought that multiple reelections, many uncontested, would translate into a statewide campaign? Not against younger, more energetic opposition.
Nah, Short was much younger than Ennis, and it hadn’t been that long since he won a Special Election against Wayne Smith’s next door neighbor, dispatched him a second time, and then defeated Judy Travis.
Dave Ennis had been around for at least a couple of decades, and had gotten tired of the Dover routine. It was either IC (against Matt Denn) or retirement.
The other key problem Short had was that he wasn’t a compelling candidate with a well-defined reason to run. His entire candidacy was based on being Tom’s guy. Just like Carney. Without Carper, Freel and the rest of the braintrust behind him, he didn’t have a natural constituency to fall back on.
Based on convos with people and staff in the general assembly, Carper is quietly turning over Carperdyne Industries to Carney. I agree with El’s entire strategy which leads to LBR consolidating the establishment support. I just don’t think Carper is behind it. Remember, he wouldn’t pick between his kids…. thats a perfect job for his heir.
This conspiracy/puppet mastering theory floating around here is mind blowing. Most of you have worked with, for, or around politicians for a long time. They cannot make small decisions without great angst and fear of repercussions, much less conspire together on anything this complicated (together being a key word). This doesn’t change with higher office. You don’t gain clarity by assuming higher rank. In fact, the opposite may be said. The higher you go, the more sheltered you are.
Sometimes campaigns just don’t work. It could be money, it could be organization, or it could be three primaries with a total of sixteen candidates (and growing) splitting all the money and volunteers. Hell, many of the big volunteers are running for some of these offices. This is a small state with limited resources and an even smaller volunteer pool. If everyone and their brother (which is possible in this election) decides to run under the same party, there isn’t much backing to go around.
Short was the first, but he will surely not be the last. It’s a simple math problem, not a devious plan by the grand political wizards. Because let’s face it, if politicians can’t get along with each other long enough to make government work, how can they conspire with each other to take it over.
Not to quibble, but Short’s nine years in the GA were long enough to cause the campaigning sclerosis that has prevented Dover incumbents from making the statewide climb. The fundraising data, when released later this month, should confirm that Short, bereft of incumbency, was a poor fundraiser, unable to move past the world of $600 checks from post-session fundraisers on Silver Lake.
The big question is whether Rochester has raised much beyond Emily’s List. Barney is clearly relying on fellow veterans. Townsend will almost certainly lead in contributions from Delaware residents.
Dem19703, Is it a conspiracy if it is all in plain sight?
Jason330, I don’t think it is a conspiracy, or a master plan in plain sight. I just think there are too many people running for too few offices and the money and volunteers are few and far between.
Carper has a political machine, and, yes, he uses it to push for his people.
During the Carney-Markell duel, I was at Dem HQ in my capacity working on the coordinated campaign. I said something to the effect of ‘I don’t understand why the establishment (Carper) is pushing so hard for Carney, he’s just so uninspiring.”
The answer from perhaps Carper’s top political guy: “It’s because we HAVE to.”
Feel free to disagree, but this isn’t tin foil BS, I’ve BEEN there. Carper is pulling the strings. Which is why I don’t think Barney is long for this race.
The reason why Short couldn’t raise the $$’s is b/c the Carper people were sitting on their wallets on the sidelines. That was done with the tacit approval of Carper. Carper has chosen which of his children he now wants to win, and his people will soon jump back into the battle.
I agree. I was being flippant. But even so… in a crowded race, it makes sense that Carperdyne would serve as a traffic cop.
Can you guys show us on the doll where Tom Carper touched you?
I don’t think Carper has chosen anyone. In fact, everyone is sitting on their wallets right now. It has less to do with Carper than the big fundraisers not wanting to “offend” anyone who could potentially be in a position to help/hurt them in the future. No one wants to back the wrong horse, so they aren’t backing any, or backing all a little bit. There is no chosen one in this, or any race. They are all scratching for scraps right now.
Did anyone attend the first debate in Sussex Co. last night? It looks like only 105.9 FM covered it, but the journalist didn’t report much.
Can you show me where people like Carper and Carney truly work to promote policies that help Democratic constituencies?
They both have been, and will continue to be, impediments to any sort of progressive agenda. They are basically the same person. And I think they represent all that’s wrong with Democrats at both the local and national level.
Also, why is this post tagged Townsend, but not Short or the other candidates?
I woukd bet that Dem19703 is right, but so is El.
Dem19703 is right that there are limited resources and very few staffers with statewide experience this cycle. El is right because most of the “top” democratic staffers (even the young ones) and donors are part of Carperdyne and Biden Corp. Also a huge faction of the young politicos are working for Eugene Young in Wilmington. Not surprising that Short’s campaign became stagnant when LBR entered the race.
Worst kept secret in Delaware politics is that Carney wants to be on the ballot with LBR and BHL. Carper will make that happen for his first born and favorite child.
So this article from the Delaware State news says that there is someone from Milton named Scott Walker also running for US Rep. What’s his story?
“Short is precisely the type of ‘team player’ (meaning, no vision of his own) that Carney says he wants.”
Okay, I have resisted commenting over the years, but this takes the cake with the ridiculous factor. Bryon would never comment or defend himself on this site nor would he want me commenting but I’ve had enough. Besides the unbelievable suggestions above, and over the years, that anyone is controlling/pushing/not pushing/orchestrating Bryon’s career in any way. If anything, he has often been cautioned against running for the offices he has. He has not been offered or discussed any type of a job with John Carney or anyone else for that matter. The conspiracy theory trend on this site does a great disservice to the public officials doing their best every day and to the confidence people have in their elected officials. What’s even more disturbing is that I hear people repeat these insinuations as though they are fact.
I am so extremely proud of the work and accomplishments my husband has done in the General Assembly over the course of the past nine years. The things that he, and I, are most proud of are things he has done in which his name never appears a part of. That’s what good leaders do, they quietly work hard for the betterment of our community and often allow others to take credit.
So let me ask you, was it having “no vision of his own” when he saved a piece of legislation that was doomed to fail as a brand spanking new legislator by getting victims rights advocates and landlords to agree? The result was that victims of domestic violence could not be evicted from their rental units?
Was it having “no vision of his own” when he took up a cause that no one else wanted to touch after the horrible Gosnell abortion deaths? He negotiated, with great skill, a piece of legislation and got Planned Parenthood and right to life groups to agree (which is unheard of) on a piece of legislation that shuts down medical facilities doing procedures with unsanitary conditions. And now that legislation is protecting Delawareans every day?
Was it having “no vision of his own” when a lady from Sussex County approached a legislator from Brandywine Hundred because no one else would take on the tele-medicine bill she so desperately needed to help her husband who had Parkinsons disease? And was shocked when he said, sure I will help you.
Was it “no vision of his own” when he took on another piece of legislation that everyone was nervous about with regard to Student Based Health Centers because it opened a can of worms about these centers with regard to offering teens contraception?
Was it “no vision of his own” when he sponsored a bill that provides that mortgage brokers and lenders licensed under Title 5 of the Delaware Code must ensure that all persons taking out reverse mortgages receive counseling about their loan, thus protecting our seniors?
Was it “no vision of his own” when he sponsored a bill that encouraged the reporting of suspected financial exploitation of the elderly and infirm adults by providing immunity from criminal and civil liability for making such reports.
Was it “no vision of his own” when he sponsored a bill that established certain enumerated regulations on automated telephone calls, often referred to as “robo calls”. Or how about his being a major part of SB135 in the 144th relating to the Delaware Freedom of Information Act?
I didn’t even mention his support of civil unions and transgender rights.
The list goes on and on…. and he gets the legislation he does done because he respects people with differing views and finds where they have common ground. It is of utmost importance to him to actually get something done. I have witnessed him having political courage to take on issues others did not want to for fear of the can of worms it may open.
I want to also address the theme of casting Bryon as some sort of corporate hack since this will probably be the one only time I post anything here. The only time my husband ever had any connection to a corporation was when he was a union member loading trucks for UPS. He has worked at Ferris School for Boys as a youth caseworker, as a constituent caseworker helping people in then Congressman Carper and Governor’s office. He worked as a deputy division director in the Department of Transportation, worked for himself as a small business owner and worked for the people of Delaware as a legislator for nine years, very successfully.
As for what is next for Bryon, can you give him a day to figure that out before suggesting some grand scheme? My hope is that he will indeed continue to serve the people of Delaware, either through running again for his house seat or in some other position. But he, and only he, will determine that.
Thank you for listening.
Well said, Kristin Barnekov-Short.
That was a righteous smack down.
Thank you Kristin Barnekov-Short!
Well said Kristin, however, you’ll never convince the conspiracy theorists or progressive purists on here. Once your husband did one thing they didn’t like, all of his work was discounted. Loyalty is in very short supply in this political world.
Thank you for that wonderful comment, Kristin.
Well said Kristin!
Well, Kristin, Bryon was also the guy who did the Chamber’s bidding by burying the previous minimum wage bill in his committee and ensuring that it was emasculated upon its release.
He was the guy who said there was ‘nothing I can do’ when the BC/BS-Highmark merger bill was in his committee and Beau Biden was begging the General Assembly not to pass it.
So, nice smackdown. If you’d like, I can provide other examples. But I’ll stop there.
BTW, AQC?: ” Loyalty is in very short supply in this political world.”
Yes it is.
Great response, Kristin.
El Som, when someone drops the mic on you, don’t try to pick it up again. LOL.
One fact-check: If you’re going to keep referencing the previous minimum wage bill, please get the record straight. SB 6 in the 147th was amended (“emasculated”) in the Senate, not the House, to remove the COLA and decrease the raise amounts. The only amendment attached in the House pushed back the enactment date because the first date was in the past.
I’m not disagreeing about your disappointment in the changes to the bill, but I’ve seen that referenced as fact numerous times, and you keep laying the blame at the wrong person’s feet. Sen. Marshall amended his own bill to get it through the Senate.
And Bryon Short kept the bill buried in his committee for nine months despite the fact that it had been emasculated b/c the Chamber got to him. They didn’t deal in good faith in getting the bill changed, but he willingly did their bidding. In fact, the bill was placed in his committee by Speaker Pete precisely b/c Pete KNEW that Short would do the Chamber’s bidding. Following a public outcry, Short publicly mused that he might restore provisions that had been cut out of the Senate bill, but never did. BTW, the delay also pushed back the implementation date for the increase.
He didn’t work with Beau Biden to either kill or make more acceptable to the public the BS/BS-Highmark merger bill despite Beau’s urging. His major legislative accomplishment is the cutting of additional ‘bureaucratic red tape’ for the business community. Given the opportunity, he has chosen business interests over the public interest over and over again.
BTW, the minimum wage bill is again stuck in his committee. While California and NY are passing $15 an hour minimum wage bills, a bill that gradually increases Delaware’s minimum wage bill to $10.45 an hour can’t get out of his committee. This time, it appears that Andria Bennett (who did the same thing last time, then claimed that she had been ‘misled’ by the Chamber) appears to be the key culprit. There are too many Shorts and Bushwellers among Dover’s so-called Democrats, people who couldn’t care less about the Party’s core constituencies.
True dat. I’ll add that all “conspiracies” are not explicitly hashed out in a dark room over a glass of Calvados. Rather, they arise out of connections, shared assumptions and the implicit knowledge of the outcomes that will benefit certain key players.
First I wish to thank Kristin for pointing out so many obviously progressive issues that my friend and colleague, Bryon Short, brought to a successful and beneficial conclusion.
This site has previously cast a well-deserved reverence for Sarah McBride and her efforts to achieve equality status. The entire story has never been fully discussed nor has the courageous efforts of a legislator possessed with an uncommon humility and political courage been revealed. When it became a reality that the rights of the “transgender” community were not going to be included in the equal rights legislation pending because some members of the General Assembly felt it was too inflammatory or would endanger the package’s passage, I along with Bryon Short, Ed Osienski and Sarah McBride met in my office to discuss the next step for Sarah’s community. We all agreed that their plight was being disregarded and the situation must be corrected. I stated that my name as prime sponsor might cost votes and endanger chances of passage. Without one moments hesitation or regard for how the electorate might react Representative Bryon Short insisted that his name be placed as prime sponsor so that he could work the bill successfully. Some of the naysayers on this site may not be willing to admit this but, too me (an unabashed and staunch liberal/progressive,”socialist” democrat), that was a striking example of progressive courage on Bryon’s part. His success in passing that legislation was no less a remarkable achievement than any other social-justice issue in Delaware. I regret that my friend Bryon Short has withdrawn from the race since I know that there are none more able, more dedicated or more principled than him and all the attempts to diminish his accomplishments and sincerity appear to be mere drops of jealousy that will evaporate in the sunlight of reality.
Representative John Kowalko
From Barney: Bryon Short is a true public servant who brought a positive vision for the future to this race. His decency, generous spirit, and focus on making a real difference in the lives of people in Delaware are examples that everyone in public life would do well to emulate. That example has pushed all of us in this race to be better candidates and leaders. It has been a privilege to work with Bryon over the years and I hope he will continue to serve the people of our great state.
From Blunt Rochester: Bryon Short just announced that he’s ending his campaign for Congress. Bryon is a true champion for Delaware and has been a trusted colleague since our first days working together in the late ’80s.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do next, Bryon, and I certainly hope that includes serving Delaware!
It does not appear Townsend released a statement. I didn’t check for Miller.
From The News Journal
Izzo’s campaign responded to the withdrawal by offering Short a job on her campaign.
“It’s so sad other candidates for this office are more concerned with raising money from ‘political sugar daddies’ than helping others in need. Dropping out and abandoning the citizens of Delaware over campaign cash is not something that Rose Izzo would do,” read a statement emailed to The News Journal. “Bryon and his staff are always welcome, join us.”
As of Dec. 31, Izzo had raised $110.
I think Izzo had a Short campaign sign on her lawn when he ran against Judy Travis.
Go home, El Somnambulo. You’re drunk. Your conspiracy theories are a freaking joke. Always have been; always will be. I’ve seen you spew the most ridiculous bullshit to your adoring Cheetos-coated fan base with a level of arrogance and certitude that would make Donald Trump seem like Andy Griffith, but this one really takes the cake. JTF’s comment was spot on. You might want to seek professional help to get to the root of your obsession with Carper. Maybe yoga or meditation will help you work through it. Otherwise, I’m sure there are prescriptions available.
I rarelyyyyy visit this site because reading your drivel makes me feel dirty, and not in a good way that leaves you feeling some level of satisfaction, like when you’ve planted a garden or cleaned your windows. It makes me feel the kind of dirty someone with a conscience would feel if they repeated hurtful gossip and found out it was untrue. I wouldn’t expect you to understand. I only visited today because I heard that Kristin handed your ass to you. And after she EVISCERATED your pathetic screed, you didn’t even have the good grace to think for one second that maybe, just maybe, you were wrong. Nope. You just kept on producing more of your laughable “proof” that your theories have merit. Heaven forbid you were to let facts get in the way of your active fantasy life.
I don’t know Bryon. I met him once, very briefly, at a silent auction that a friend and I organized and hosted for atTAcK addiction, and for which Kristin graciously offered to donate an auction item (without being asked, mind you), even tho she had never met me. They supported the organization and the auction because they genuinely care about families impacted by addiction. They are good people. They don’t strike me as tools of Carper or Carney or anyone else. There’s only one (very obvious) tool in this story. HINT: It’s you, El.
PS – I only met Kristin once and found her to be quite lovely, but I’m in full girl crush mode right now. <3
“I think Izzo had a Short campaign sign on her lawn when he ran against Judy Travis”
@ El Som: True!
You’re right, Dominique. I wasn’t wrong.
FWIW, I’ve praised Kristin Barnekov-Short as one of the best legislative campaign managers in Delaware on this site several times. I’ve praised Bryon when he’s deserved it (great on the social issues) and criticized him when I think he deserved criticism (too much fealty to business, IMHO, not nearly supportive enough on economic issues affecting working families).
Oh, and I know them a lot better than you do. Did’ja know that Short worked for Carper? Did’ja know he called Carney ‘one of my best friends’?
Regardless, headed back to my Cheetos and a wine that is just perfect for them.
Thanks for stopping by. Always love to hear from you.
So, is anyone who’s ever had any kind of relationship with Carper, Carney or Coons a pariah on here? How about Markell or even Minner? How do you expect people to get their feet in the door if they want to become involved in Delaware politics? Work for Kowalko?
True dat. But when they are politicians in the mold of Carper or Carney, beholden to the corporatocrats who control the party, and legislate like them, then why should liberals support them?
If they run as progressives, then of course how they got their start should matter little.
Or, you could take the Bryan Townsend route. Challenge one of the most corrupt members of the Delaware General Assembly and knock him off. Same goes for anyone who challenges Tom Gordon. They’ve got my support.
But, you don’t even give them a chance to show they would be anything different, i.e. Sean Barney. You trashed him and he’s never even been a politician yet.
AQC – Check the facts. We all wanted Sean Barney to beat Ken Simpler. He ran a lackluster campaign, or thought he won after Flowers was forced out, and took his foot off the gas.
Either way, Barney is better than Simpler, but doesn’t compare well to Townsend. And yes… for me, part of that comparison is based on his close ties to Carper.
Jason330, that claim is not accurate. When Sean Barney stepped forward to run in the Democratic primary against the tarnished incumbent, this community blasted him. Most of you (not all), repeatedly attacked him, creating and promoting fallacies that supported your own bias. You decided he wasn’t progressive. And so he wasn’t.
As for Senator Carper, he didn’t have his early support either. From Delaware Grapevine: http://www.delawaregrapevine.com/1-14treasurer.asp
There are now three good candidates in this race. I would like to read about all of them, to include their debate performance, endorsements and policy proposals. But, the contributors here are mostly interested in Townsend. You decided he is progressive. And so he is. Never mind when he isn’t. Never mind when others are.
“When Sean Barney stepped forward to run in the Democratic primary against the tarnished incumbent, this community blasted him.”
Link?
I’m not saying you are wrong, but I couldn’t find much on that race. I considered myself a bit of a spectator on that one. I know we have commenters who were big Chip Flowers boosters, but I can’t find a post blasting Barney.
As for attacking someone’s progressive street cred, who knows what true liberalism resides in anyone’s heart? All we can go by is what they say and do. Townsend appears to be the progressive in the race to me, but “Petere, ut argumentum” (Candidate, make your case.)
“Either way, Barney is better than Simpler…”
Why? For treasurer it makes no difference. There is a case for Simpler: At least we have a good chance of knocking off a Republican treasurer. But if we allow Barney to become entrenched we will have him forever.
Barney was attacked for his association with The Third Way and Carper.
Link to one of Jason330’s own threads.
Where in that post do I attack Sean Barney for being anything other than a lackluster opponent to Ken Simpler?
I see now. Cassandra is backing me up. I thought that was Liberal Geek going all high Dem on me.
Nope, just saying what I remember to be the negatives that were bandied about here way back when.
I loved how surprisingly consistent and reasonable I sounded throughout that thread.
I liked this one:
http://delawareliberal.net//2014/01/10/can-a-product-of-carper-cyborgentics-run-on-a-human-heart/
I agree. I am a good writer when the muse is on me.
“I heard Carper talking up Barney eight years or so ago at a Jeff/Jax and figured, “Okay, this is happening.” And so it is.”
It was a prescient observation, and it is still an open question.
RE 2014: It’s not worth my effort to scroll through archived posts. I acquiesce.
“As for attacking someone’s progressive street cred, who knows what true liberalism resides in anyone’s heart? All we can go by is what they say and do.”
I agree. My point is that some of the contributors here (again, not all) simply ignore what Barney has said and done because it doesn’t confirm their preconceptions, which are based on little more than assumptions and tin foil theories.
Similarly, those same individuals turn a blind eye when Townsend has said and done something that doesn’t support their preference for him.
It’s a reasonable expectation that you and others have a bias. I appreciate it when you make that clearly known, as the contributors here often do. But, I also expect you to learn more about someone before you pull anyone’s progressive card.
^^^THIS all day.
I ain’t goin’ nowhere.
El Som, I deleted that because I thought it was one of my recurring trolls. Sorry about that.