Delaware Political Weekly: June 22-28, 2018
1. BREAKING NEWS: Mike Ramone’s Successor To File Today. Wow, Was I wrong! And was Dave Woodside right! Stephanie Barry will officially file today to challenge The Mediocrity That Is Mike Ramone in the 21st RD. Who is Stephanie Barry, you might ask? She is the Director Of Operations and Programs For the Newark-based PAWS For People, a ‘nonprofit organization committed to providing therapeutic visits to any person in the community who would benefit from interaction with a well-trained, loving pet. What makes PAWS for People stand above other pet therapy services is the emphasis we place on providing individualized therapeutic experiences for every person we visit. Our strict standards in training and testing dogs and cats make sure every therapy team is capable of meeting the various needs of our diverse clientele.’ You can find Stephanie’s bio here. Even a casual perusal of the site (they really do great work) will tell you that she has already developed an extensive list of possible supporters through relentless networking. Oh, and let’s just take a look at those 21st RD numbers, shall we?: 7663 D; 5015 R; 5051 I. Something tells me that not all the bipartisan Maypole dancers in the world will rescue Mike Ramone from political extinction.
2. Two More Candidates Face Political Extinction. Let’s face it. This was a profoundly depressing week–with the victory of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez the lone bright spot. But I think the week’s events could spell the political death-knell for two longtime Delaware state senators. First, Sen. Bob Marshall. Like Crowley’s district in NYC, Marshall’s district is a ‘minority-majority’ district. He’s always wanted it that way and, for the most part, he has represented all the people of his district to the best of his ability. But, with many of his supporters passing on, the candidacy of Tizzie Lockman, and the galvanizing energy of the Ocasio-Cortez win, he might finally see the handwriting on the wall.
The other Dead Senator Walking? Greg Lavelle. Just what he needed. A week where ‘Roe v. Wade’ is suddenly back in play. Greg has hardly been an ardent supporter of women’s reproductive rights, neither has his Party, and now he is facing an electorate motivated to the nth degree by Kennedy’s retirement. And an aggressive challenger. You read it here first. He’s going down.
3. $22.51. Chris Johnson is running an unabashedly progressive campaign for Attorney General. I got this message from him yesterday:
In Delaware, African Americans are 22% of the population, but make up 51% of the prison population.
Tough on crime policies, the over-policing of minority communities, and the criminalization of poverty have had tremendous impacts on racial groups.
It’s going to take comprehensive reform to overcome the systemic racism that has persisted for decades.
If you’re like me and believe it’s time to end mass incarceration, join the movement and contribute $22.51 to this campaign today.
I ponied up an additional $22.51..maybe you could too.
4. Where The Bleep Is Kerri Harris? In a week when the Supreme Court became more likely to overthrow Roe v Wade than ever before, and faced with an incumbent senator who voted to end the filibuster that gave us Justices Alito and Roberts, you (I) would have thought that Kerri Harris would seize the moment to point out why we can’t afford ‘reach across the aisle’ types like Carper in DC. You (I) would have thought wrong.
5. Perennial Candidate Sherry Dorsey Walker Is Back. Fresh off her appointment to a public board, and hot off her endorsement of Kathy McGuiness, Sherry Dorsey Walker let no grass grow before filing to replace the retiring Helene Keeley for Keeley’s RD 3 seat. I’ve seen nothing from Sherry but the same sort of touchy-feely crap that sent Lisa Blunt Rochester to DC. Looks like she’ll finally get her taxpayer-funded salary.
6. Speaking Of LBR…in an age where our very democracy is threatened, this content-free video makes me want to just fwow up. What an empty vessel.
7. Yet ANOTHER D Candidate In RD 7. Looks like a Chamber of Commerce type. Catherine Imburgia is her name, she’s the President of Creative Communications, and her husband is a Republican. Gee, you don’t think she’s playing the ‘I’m the only woman in a field with three male candidates’ card, do you?
8. Pointless Primary In RD 12 Is On. It’s official. Rachel Blumenfeld filed, so we’ll now have a D primary between her and Krista Griffith. This virtually guarantees the reelection of Deborah Hudson in this challenging district as there will be little time for the primary winner to introduce herself to the rest of the district.
9. Consider, Just For A Moment, Joan Winters. The R candidate for State Auditor. Here’s her website. BTW, didja know she just gave blood? It’s on there. You can also see her feeding a puppy. Is LBR her campaign manager?
10. Filings. Plenty o’ incumbents filed during this past week: Rep. Sean Matthews (D-RD 10); Rep. Steve Smyk (R-RD 20); Rep. Ronald Gray (R-RD 38); Rep. Tim Dukes (R-RD 40). Also, Brad Connor filed as a D to challenge Rich Collins in the 41st RD. He ran against Collins in 2016 and got 41% of the vote.
That’s it for this week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?
Lots of uncessary democrat primaries going on. The 12th is ridiculous. The 7th too. 9th rd with wishy washy Kevin Hensley has 3. Maybe mr Woodside should intervene in some of these and talk some sense to those who we know have no idea what they are doing
Anonymous centrist shill, this guy. I bet he spit shines Ed Freel’s wing tips once a week.
The mantra of status quo sounds dumb. Probably why you’re anonymous, huh?
I’m fine with the other primaries. Whoever wins in the 7th will be the next state rep. The 9th may not be all that competitive, and I can see a case where the winner will be strengthened by going through it. But the 12th…well I guess all you can say about it is that the winner will likely have the first shot at an even more vulnerable Deborah Hudson in two years.
And it’s ‘Democratic’, not ‘democrat’, but you already knew that.
Also, Kerri Harris didn’t say the thing I wanted her to say the day I wanted her to say it! C’mon El Som don’t get hysterical.
I demand to know what time each morning Ruth Ann Minner took a dump. Until then your sage insider advice is tainted. You’re hiding the truth!
Bullshit. The passivity of her campaign is depressing. It’s all about challenging Carper and fighting for change. You can’t fight for change if you don’t fight.
Ruth Ann Minner is a bull?
I love Tizzy Lockman and I appreciate you kissing her ass on every available occasion. What’s she doing exactly? Maybe she making Facebook videos or having rallies or blasting out press releases, but I haven’t seen them.
And you know how it works. if I haven’t seen it then it didn’t happen!
Kerri’s campaign isn’t doing what you’d do personally or what you’d expect. Who’s the last leftist insurgent to run for a federal office in Delaware? How did they do it? Was it successful?
Oh, yeah, it’s never happened.
Very odd to apply some standard when it’s actually never happened before.
They’ll be about 10,000 people voting in September that don’t know who Ruth Ann Minner or pistol Pete even are.
A little rope-a-dope to ensure it peaks around 20 August isn’t a disaster.
No one knew who Alexandrie Ocasio-Cortez was 3 months ago.
I just had a great idea. Whistle stop train tour! Fetch your boater hats…
Ruth Ann Minner was the ‘it’s her turn’ candidate when she ran for Governor. She didn’t have to run an insurgent campaign. She didn’t, she ran a laid-back campaign, and almost got nipped at the wire. Twice.
Harris can’t afford to run that type of campaign, but she is.
In all of your word games, you’ve never once mentioned how the type of campaign she’s running has any chance for success. I don’t think it does. You cite Ocasio-Cortez. Her campaign was aggressive, tireless, and all about changing the status quo. I doubt that even you can make that claim about Harris’ campaign.
As for ‘waiting’, ain’t many volunteers and/or would-be contributors willing to wait for this campaign to get off its collective ass. I donated and I volunteered. Got tired of waiting for something, ANYthing, to keep me enthused. Spending my time helping out Chris Johnson now.
Which reminds me, your caustic rejoinders don’t help the campaign, either. You turn off far more people than you inspire.
Not sure what this excitement is all about tizzy Lockman. It’s like the young progressives find one hero and how she became one is beyond me
Oh I know she’s a minority woman. We need to flush identity politics down the toilet in the party quick
Yes, AOC’s campaign was exactly that. It started about 2 months ago.
I know you think you know what’s the right way and what’s the wrong way. That’s fine.
This truth80 is a great commenter. (S)he will do more for leftists than I ever could. Your ignorance about why this movement is gaining stream is literally perfect for us. Please keep it up.
Aside, I addressed this identity politics lie yesterday. But you must have skipped it to regurgitate stale talking points. Thanks, anonymous friend.
Oh, I missed the caustic bit. Civility! Hahaha.
I’m not part of the campaign. I don’t know how many times I need to point it out.
Oh, so you’re just someone who throws bombs at those who dare to question the campaign. Got it. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Lockman is not running an ‘identity politics’ campaign. That was Lisa Blunt Rochester. Lockman’s running an issues-oriented grassroots campaign. She’s everywhere in that district. Anyone claiming to not be familiar with her campaign is just not paying attention.
I just throw bombs at everyone. Especially when they say silly things. AOC’s campaign, which everyone is praising, started in earnest about 2 months ago. Perspective.
Last thing on this topic. The few hundred people who read this stuff I think know what I’m up to.
I shit post on the internet and within those insults and vulgar language are points that are strongly argued and based on significant reading and research.
The idea that you think my shit posting has any measurable impact one way or the other is very precious (I probably should be flattered), but I’m not because I know it’s more or less meaningless.
I’m an entertainer! My content is tight! So, you’re welcome.
“It’s like the young progressives find one hero and how she became one is beyond me”
That’s because you’re showing yourself to be a reactionary dick. Your type is the enemy here.
“They’ll be about 10,000 people voting in September that don’t know who Ruth Ann Minner or pistol Pete even are.”
And Carper will turn out 40,000 people who do.
We’ll see.
“Maybe she making Facebook videos or having rallies or blasting out press releases, but I haven’t seen them.”
You’re not in her district. See, Lockman is running in a geographically contained district. Kerri is running in an entire state. District elections are won every two years without any media coverage at all. None. Senate races aren’t.
Just to pick a recent example of the kind of upset Kerri is trying to pull off, Christine O’Donnell was all over the media in the months before she beat Castle.
Kerri Harris just officially filed.
My missus is Tizzy’s treasurer. And I work in Tizzy’s district. Let’s not pretend that somehow the information doesn’t float 4 blocks to my house or into my inbox.
Chris Johnson, who I support 100%, sends an email to Steve and his all behind it. Kerri send 2 or 3 a week and there’s no report of it. That’s fine. You want more. Very good. You’ll be getting it very very soon.
I do very much appreciate that you guys are starved for the fight. For real.
There is a method to this. You disagree with it. Word. But again, I think your ideas are dated and not applicable to this situation. Pretending to know how to do this and what the vote counts will be is, you must admit, just speculation.
There’s been absolutely no race like this before. O’D went after disenfranchised Republicans. Kerri will rally thousands (possibly 10,000) first time voters who have absolutely no clue who we are or what this website is or who Tom Carper is.
So wat about Jason Hines? Is he to establishment because he worked with the Delaware young dems? Hahaha
No, he’s tainted goods because he consorted with Potters.
I’m starting to get the impression you don’t know what you’re talking about.
(S)he doesn’t! That’s what makes the comments so good… It’s a self-own worthy of Tom Kline or Mitch.
We trash garbage corporate centrists hacks because they’re worthless spineless Vichy collaborators and this dunce comes on here and says those exact things. I couldn’t have the point proven any better.
Personally I love it.
“Pretending to know how to do this and what the vote counts will be is, you must admit, just speculation.”
Well-informed speculation. Go the the Dept. of Elections web site and look it up yourself. A tomato can named Keith Spanarelli primaried Carper in 2012. The guy had no money or organization, meaning he posed no threat whatsoever. Carper did not lift a finger for the primary and won 43,587-6,028.
That’s where the 40,000 figure comes from. If you like you can subtract 10,000 because the city has no primaries, but I didn’t just make up the number from whole cloth. That’s how many people voted for Carper against, basically, nobody. I don’t see how that can be explained away.
Yes, Carper’s approval rating is down — to 52%. I don’t care what kind of race you’re running, it’s almost impossible to defeat an incumbent whose approval rating is not underwater.
What I’m doing is setting the betting line. You’re arguing with the bookies that the line should be different from what it is.
I know those numbers. You probably know I knew those numbers. So.
Centrists that are about to hand you your ass in September and I’m Gona be on here trolling you about September 7th
Centrists don’t march every weekend or protest. We are to busy going to work raising a family….but there’s more of us and we vote
FWIW, I am specifically not deterring primaries. That’s old school. I am doing my best to ensure that the process is fair and that everyone has a fair shot at learning how to run a campaign and access to some basic resources that are allocated even-handedly.
Our candidates are smart. They will know when things aren’t coming together for them. Our voters are smart. They will make a decision on September in those races.
My job, as I see it, is to make sure that on September 7th we start coming back together in short order and get the winners of the primaries elected a few weeks later.
Like REV, I think that new ideas and strategies are important. Maybe I am wrong here, but there’s only one way to find out. And so far, I’ve been pleased with the way that things are going.
Not to interrupt the usual infighting, but has anyone discussed at length making the primary a reasonable date? Why should candidates only have two months to pivot?
“Centrists don’t march every weekend or protest. We are to busy going to work raising a family….but there’s more of us and we vote”
Too busy to learn spelling, grammar and punctuation, too.
You’re the enemy, pal, and we know it. Your Democrats aren’t “centrist” — the word you want is “compromised” or, more to the point, “sell outs.”
I went to work and raised a family, too. I support progressive policies so that people who didn’t have my advantages can do the same. You apparently support centrist policies so you can gain political power. This is why so many people don’t vote at all — when the choice is between the shitbag Democrats you support and Republicans, voting is a pointless chore.
“has anyone discussed at length making the primary a reasonable date? Why should candidates only have two months to pivot?”
Some people discuss it every two years. It’s not on my list of top 100 problems with Delaware.
Finally some good news for electric users. A recent settlement brings good news to Delmarva Power and Light electricity consumers. I chose to intervene in PSC Docket # 17-0977 in order to join the Public Advocate, Drew Slater, in trying to mitigate the proposed increase in electric rates requested by Delmarva Power and Light. The original rate increase request was for $31 million. That would have resulted in a $65 per year (4.7%) increase for a typical user. As the hearings on this matter progressed the recently passed windfall tax cuts to corporations became a reality and the Public Advocates office filed a petition to capture that windfall and give it back to the ratepayers. I and Representative Kim Williams circulated a letter of support for this petition amongst our fellow legislators. We managed to accumulate 38 signatories of support and filed the letter with the PSC. The petition was granted by the PSC and the ruling was made to return the windfall to the ratepayers. As the original case was being negotiated, the Public Advocate, myself and other interveners decided that it would be most beneficial to the individual ratepayers and business electric consumers to have the tax cut applied to this rate case. After months of negotiations a settlement was agreed to that resulted in the original $31 million rate increase request being reduced entirely and a $6.8 million credit be given to the customer base. The credit amounts to a $15 per year (1.4%) decrease in the typical customers bill. This reversal totaling nearly $38 million is extraordinarily good news for ratepayers and a special note of appreciation should be extended to PA Drew Slater for his remarkable efforts in this matter. I would like to also extend my thanks and appreciation to Representative Williams and all 38 General Assembly members who signed the letter of support.
Representative John Kowalko
If people followed your whacko bird philosophies the Republican Party will become a permanent majority in this country and state
You mean as opposed to now? The Democrats who run Delaware are Republicans, so no real difference from my standpoint. A rat’s nest of incompetent cronies who cover their hands in pine tar and look for a cashbox to stick them in. Two fucking words: Vince D’Anna.
The state is being run by an ex-state cop who couldn’t make major and is making the rest of us suffer for it, and an empty suit who got hit in the head too often playing football.
Also, yours is the reasoning that got us here in the first place, so it’s what we’d call a bankrupt idea.
It takes real courage to come on here anonymously and rep for the oligarchy and the status quo. This guy’s a real hero in my book, folks.
If McGuiness wins the primary, Joan Winters gets my vote. At least she’s a CPA.
I’m very glad Kerri has filed. But I agree she is completely missing the opportunity to hit Carper hard. His support of a bunch of Trump’s nominees, his being beholden to big pharma – those are both areas Kerri has been silent on. I’ve heard her speak twice now and it’s wimpy. Nothing hard-hitting. It’s like she knows she’s going to lose and wants to preserve her viability for the future by not pissing off the establishment.
The strategy of focusing on issues rather than targeting her opponent on his vulnerable areas is extremely questionable. You can’t win just by running to the left of an incumbent. Most voters don’t vote for issues, they vote for – and against – people. Most people in Delaware, especially most Democrats, like Carper. So you’ve got to give them a reason to vote against him. Pick one and run a campaign on it. I’d love to see that.
“If McGuiness wins the primary, Joan Winters gets my vote. ”
That’s how we got Simpler (and rightly so).
@puck: Exactly. I will vote for anyone of either party who won’t perpetuate the incompetent Democratic control of the state. McGuiness wants to cement it in place.
@SW – I believe in the parlance of campaign talk this is called differentiation.
I bet it’s going to happen. Again, here I am proving something to an anonymous sage, but yeah…
If it were me (which it isn’t) I’d get some advice from people who do this for a living. They might suggest, if I spoke to them, that the timing of policy differentiation attacks should be planned carefully to ensure momentum peaks at the most effective and advantageous time.
I wouldn’t know for sure, but I’d guess that people have a very brief and narrow attention span and things that are hammered over and over across a long period of time start to fade in political power.
You’re an insider type who follows these things closely so you already know all this. I mean I presume you do since no one has any idea who you are or if you have any bona fides at all….
“I wouldn’t know for sure, but I’d guess that people have a very brief and narrow attention span and things that are hammered over and over across a long period of time start to fade in political power.”
That’s exactly the opposite of what’s going on here, and not in the ways you like. She is unknown to the wider electorate, and unless your plan is to elect someone that only her supporters know, that’s not ideal.
As Trump and every successful advertising campaign demonstrate, repeating something makes it stick in people’s brains. Something like, oh, her name. That’s something that only us insider types and her supporters even know.
I know I know you know everything… I get it.
I work with the public in the Brandywine Hundred and no one has heard of Kerri Harris, who she is or her name even. Seniors in Brandywine Hundred vote. I sure hope Kerri’s campaign manager knows what s/he’s doing. Maybe the number of voting seniors is far outweighed by other groups who know Kerri and are committed to voting for her. I’m old school myself but I recognize utilizing social media necessitates a new way of campaigning and that many of those using it don’t depend on a long attention span.
John Kowalko and Kim Williams are the hardest working legislators we have. Thank you!
I am 100% behind Chris Johnson, but he has to get down to Sussex, so does Kerri. Had lunch with a well known progressive woman today who had not heard of Harris. She has a McGuiness sign. There are lots of votes down here, but if you don’t show up, they will vote party line.
The reason the real progressive won in NY is she knocked on every door 3 times. Her message was heard loud and clear. and lots of volunteers. You dont have to have millions to run, if you have a strong message, straight talk and a plan. Maybe Kerri is busy raising money for a campaign out of stat?If you havent run for office, you have no clue what life is like. Have the unions ponied up? Probably not, they bank Carper! Can’t we just help her get the word out? Democracy is not a spectator sport. She has to hit every Senior Center, they vote.
Are the progressive dems in Sussex helping? What I learned was, the “party ultimately picks the candidate, as they inform the voters, “who” they should vote for, and give them money. If you think the party isn’t backing Carper, see a shrink.
“If people followed your whacko bird philosophies the Republican Party will become a permanent majority in this country”
LMAO.
I believe Kerri Harris did post a statement about Kennedy’s retirement: https://www.facebook.com/KerriEvelynHarris/posts/263449144203378
@LA Kerri and Chris are both down in Sussex often – at meetings and events but mostly on the doors
Kerri’s statement doesn’t mention Carper, doesn’t mention the fact that Carper voted to end the filibuster against Alito and Roberts, doesn’t mention the fact that Carper’s ‘Reach Across the Aisle’ mentality is especially dangerous in these times. In other words, is too timid to excite voters, IMHO. I’ll ante up a little money to help them reach their goal, but I guess it’s what you’d call a ‘check’ in poker.
When I say Seniors I mean Boomers and older, especially those who patronize libraries- they need to hear about Kerri.
I looked but couldn’t find video or still of Carper hugging Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III after being voted in as AG. Would like to have that as ammo.
If people followed your whacko bird philosophies the Republican Party will become a permanent majority in this country”
LMAO.
Jason: who are you addressing that comment too?
The person he was quoting.
Liz: Rep. Sean Lynn today publicly endorsed Chris Johnson at an event in Dover. He is a leading opponent of the death penalty and one of the few true progressives in Dover:
This is from Chris’ Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ChrisJohnsonDE/
Yes, that’s John Kowalko in the picture, and, yes, it looks real hot out there.
After not hearing from the Harris campaign in, like, forever, I’ve gotten 5 e-mails from them within the past 36 hours. All asking for money. I gave the first time they asked.
Guess they’ve got a new Social Media person. They did announce a new endorsement, though, from the Center For Popular Democracy.
@El Somnambulo Really? That’s so strange…I’ve been getting multiple emails a week from the Kerri Harris campaign, as well as asks to volunteer. Have you checked your spam folder?
Also, that’s great to hear that the Center for Popular Democracy endorsed Kerri! They were a a cosponsor of the protest in DC I believe.
Like I said – all the dials a switches will never be set I just the right way. Imoky with it.
I do love that there are a couple of Carper trolls here trying to fluff up “Working across the aisle is the best!!”
That says something.
In general, it’s been a good week for the Harris campaign. She filed, she got some endorsements, she got arrested for a worthy cause. Time to take the fight to Carper. HE is the issue, and the campaign must be a referendum on his DINO crappiness.
She doesn’t want to fight Carper. She wants to fight The System.
Carper = The System. It’s not that complicated.
This is going to be a fun week I think.
This is my take, take it, leave it, or state yours!
Carney was programmed and trained to follow: Carper then Coons! Talk about FIXED! Carper and all before him were programmed as they are the Oh so special representatives of the Corporate State was founded. Read the books on how, why Delaware goverment is different from other states.
This is the Delaware Way. The “suits” lobbyists intimidate. threaten and deliver ORDERS from the grand elite nationwide. Delaware is where they all hide/launder the illgotten gains. Unless middle class, working class and poor unite and fight international banking systems buying elections, stealing Supreme Court seats, (its all corrupt nationally) Delaware is the belly of beast. Ever wonder why every generation brings out activists determined to “change it”, well sorry folks but this maybe the last chance to save democracy from the international crime syndicate. Who are the globalists? The 1% in every country are united and determined to destroy the concept of democracy. Democracies around the world are turning to nationalistic oligharchies. Why. Putin is one smart cookie KGB, he “found” a corrupt con man patholotical liar to run and win. It will be discussed in history books for next 100 yrs. Trump cult lead by Trump TV (Faux), Brietbart traitors have brainwashed 50% of our citizens to stand with them! Evangelicals, KKK, white nationalists, (cult buddies)
who have bought the 1/10 of 1% deceitful lies manipulating our citizens into working against their future and childrens futures. How the hell do you turn a person this brainwashed to “see the light”. Studies confirm we are 50/50 nation. Majority believe we are headed for “civil war”…think about it.
Check out Bill Mahr show with Michael Moore Friday night.