Around the Horn Friday

Well, this is our first Around the Horn in the new format and with a new logo, stolen directly from the ESPN show of the same name. Don’t lawyer up yet, ESPN. I am trying out different logos for this series while I design one myself.

The hot topic in the Delaware blogosphere is the special election in the 19th SD, and in that campaign, this week seems to be Wendy Jones Week.

John Tobin highlights all four candidates’ websites. Anderson had the same reaction to Polly Adams Mervine’s campaign website as I did.

Redwaterlily offers her considerable thoughts on the election, as a resident of the district.

David Anderson at Delaware Politics and Brian Shields review Wendy’s platform.

Bruce Rogers at Delaware Politics parrots Hillary Clinton on his view of the best candidate in the 19th.

Elbert takes on criticism of the SCCOR debate, saying the one sided focus on the horrible tyranny of the stimulus package should be expected since they are a one issue group.

Steve Newton makes a fundraising pitch for Libertarian candidate Wendy Jones (who is now recovering from the removal of two discs from her spinal column and is doing fine). Where is Ms. Jones in that picture? Imprisoned in a Castle tower of some kind? Click through to see.

John Tobin looks at the impact third parties will have in the 19th SD, especially considering that this will be a four way race.

Anderson quotes Celia Cohen on the Democratic infighting in the 19th. And then he highlights the Republican Party’s own split in the district by offering praise for Matt Opaliski.

Markell endorses Mervine. Like that was a shock. He was going to endorse and campaign for Parker too, before he dropped out.

Steve Newton looks at Polly Adams Mervine’s resume in comparision to Wendy Jones.

Before he died, Senator Adams was able to kick us all in the teeth one final time.

Shirley likes Wendy Jones’ position on Mandatory Helmet Laws.

You know, I am now rooting for Wendy Jones to win this race. It would be something. A shot in the arm for Libertarians, a death blow to conservative Democrats and Republicans a like. This country and state need an honest and strong opposition party, and the Republicans are neither. It is time for the Libertarians to rise.

IN OTHER NEWS….

Get ready for Delaware Liberal’s Miles for Melanoma charity event on August 15.

The New Delaware Liberal 3.0 launches, with new Rules for comments and amnesty for the previously banned.

Donviti writes a letter to Dover and Jason writes a letter to Celia.

Tommywonk asks the Governor to veto the Bottle Bill, echoing DNREC Secretary O’Mara in saying “mend it, don’t end it.” He also wonders if beverage distributors are hurt by the bill.

Maria Evans details some of the drama surrounding Milton Police Chief Phillips.

Mike Castle is becoming Enemy #1 of the national and local wingnuttia. Then again, Tim Pancoast thinks Castle is starting to pander to the right wing again. Anderson also notices a flip flop.

Delaware to offer individual betting on NFL games?

Ah, Mike Castle. He is fostering a new cottage industry in Delaware: reading the tea leaves of his intentions. He is running. No he is not. He doesn’t want a right wing freak campaigning for him. He is distancing himself from the NRA. He takes credit for a stimulus project he voted against. He is our next Senator. No, he is not. Carney is outraising him already.

Mike Protack from 2006. His plan for rebuilding the GOP was a lot different than it is now.

Jim Werner, formerly of DNREC, gets the boot.

Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, Governor Jack Markell and Brian “The Handler” Selander were on WDEL this week. Given the choices of politically ingenious versus utter disaster, I’d say the “politically ingenious” option wins.

Mike Matthews finally says goodbye and a thank you. But you won’t miss him. He and Dominique show up in the comments here at DL from time to time.

Homegrown Boy at Resolute Determination says that Republican candidates should (or will) campaign on not taking a pension. Yes, the pension system for state lawmakers needs to be reformed, and a commenter Steve over there is right, it would take a constitutional amendment to reform the system: which means the GOP can campaign on this without the actual bother of doing anything about once elected.

Kavips returns to blogging after he learns his own urine can power a car. Yeah, just read the post.

In what is becoming a trend, Anderson praises the Markell Administration for its elimination of the costs associated with state check writing.

Steve Larrimore looks at alleged green energy scams.

Poor Steve Newton. It must be hard to be a third party person. All you hear is talking points, except your own, apparently.

Kavips has a healthcare horror story, but yeah we don’t need to reform the system at all (at least so say the conservatives).

Steve Newton says DSU got the shaft in the budget process.

Lily wants a WDEL for down state.

Kavips wants all the bloggers to form their own political party.

Mike Mahaffie remembers where he was for the Moon Landing. Or does he?

Anderson starts a new feature covering weekly stories in regional politics. Good. Because if you do a weekly feature on local politics I will sue you. 😉

DELAWARE LIBERAL FEATURES
Last Week’s Around the Horn Friday
Donviti’s Deep Thoughts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Friday Afternoon Bacon Blogging
Read All About It in the Sunday Papers.
How They Voted This Week.