Republicans for Carney (for now)

This is a guest post by Disbelief.

At this point in time, we have three choices for Governor, in alphabetical order (in the spirit of clarification for the benefit of the current administration, that means the first letter of the last name determines the order as follows): Carney, Levin, Markell.

Let’s take the easy call first. Carney is seen by many as a surrogate or extension of the past eight years of the Minner administration. This administration is tagged with dismal failures in the appointment of heads of DelDot, the Delaware State Hospital, the Prison System, and, according to Down With Absolutes, Child Protective Services. Even more damaging has been the current administration’s reaction to the dismal failures of these appointees. Although I run the risk of being glib, this reaction can be summed up by the phrase: “Hey; shit happens, you know?” The current administration appears at best lackadaisical toward running our State’s agencies (with our tax dollars). It appears that many see Carney as four more years of excuses ranging from:

1) it didn’t happen;

2) it happened, but its not our fault;

3) we’re in charge, so shut the f**k up.

It is my prediction that Carney on the ticket means a GOP Governor in ’08.

Next call, Levin. Not a lot of government experience. Yes, he worked in D.C. for a while, but the job qualification there is slim at best. There’s two types of jobs in the world: those that pay you, and those that you pay to get. It is apparent that Levin’s work in D.C. was the latter, secured by Dad’s wealth. As far as Levin’s success in the private sector goes, its fair to say that Dad was also responsible for about 99% of that. Again, as with Carney, we have a #2 guy riding on the coattails of others. We need more than that for Governor. However, as mentioned above, if the race is Carney vs. Levin, the State will become one more big Happy Harry’s, available for sale to the highest bidder.

Last, and certainly not least: Jack Markell. Elected to a job that, as the WNJ correctly pointed out, is all but obsolete. Yet, even in a position where Jack could have sat back and collected a paycheck and State health insurance benefits (similar to the appointees mentioned above), he busted hump and did the following:

– Instituted bulk-purchasing policies to be used by State government (this alone saved an incredible amount just in Minner’s weekly grocery bill)

– Created the Health Rewards program, which is a ‘push’ to encourage a healthier lifestyle, thus a lower medical care cost. It’s a pretty long term program, yet is a good step in the right direction;

– Created the Delaware Money School. This one is near and dear to me. I’ve argued with friends for decades that the theory, “If you can’t pay cash for it, you don’t need it”, is a good one. Financing anything except real estate is a hustle. Bill Gates can’t afford the terms offered at Rent-to-Own stores, and, adding insult to injury, buying credit insurance on top of financed disposable goods would break the bank of Saudi Arabia. My theory is: buy a used car. Your friends won’t think any differently of you, and, No, expensive cars you can’t afford in the first place even without considering the finance charge will not get you dates with hotties (unless you’re donviti, in which case, you don’t need a car anyhow – they come to him).

– Earned Income Tax Credit education. This shows me Markell’s heart. This education Jack offered is a standing benefit for the poorest Delawareans. Its been there for a while, but many simply don’t know about it. Jack enlisted a team of volunteers to help spread the word about how to take advantage of this federal credit. And here’s the ‘heart’ part: I’ve attended two Campaign programs that educate politicians on how to run. One big rule, that appears to be true, is that you don’t campaign apartment buildings or trailer parks. The underlying reason appears to be because poor people don’t vote. Despite this age-old campaign wisdom, Markell stuck up for those more unfortunate than most despite the fact that there was not upside for his political votes nor his campaign chest. As the Brits say, “Good on ya’, Jack.”

– And, of course, Jack’s very constructive initiative in producing the ‘Delaware Facing Forward’ report. Yet another fine example of initiative and taking responsibility for the present as well as the future.

This is the type of character we want to see as Governor. A self-starter with brains, who has not only spent his life in the real world, but has done very well by his own efforts. If we want someone to take responsibility, it looks like the choice is pretty clear.

Although this will not endear me to Dem party faithfuls, I would pick Markell out the above field even if he was registered Republican. As I’ve said before, it ain’t about party loyalty; its about supporting the best we have.

Corollary: I suspect that the GOP will be thinking somewhat along the lines above. I would not be surprised to see huge support from sites like FSP for Carney, because the GOP knows its their best shot at winning the Governor’s race. And, I’d like to point out that while this position would show party loyalty, it follows the last decade’s GOP modus operandi of supporting party above good government. You don’t pick a candidate because of immediate benefit to your party; you pick a candidate based on qualification for the job sought.