16 Republican Retirements (…and counting)
With this silent landslide in progress I got to thinking about Mike Castle. Granted, Castle shows no signs of retiring in spite of his horrible record and abject failure as a congressman – BUT let’s imagine he did.
The Republicans have NOBODY. Zero bench strength. Squadoosh.
It is sad in a way. If Castle quit today the DEGOP would have to just let the seat go. They’d have to watch it drift away like a helpless child at the state fair as watching a balloon shrink in the distance.
I can’t think of one legit Republican who could put up a fight for it.
Jason,
If Mike moves on we can hold that seat. Not by doing the same old thing but yes, we could hold it.
Whoever eventually replaces Carper/Castle/Biden I hope they know when long enough is too damn long already. No politician who has any sense for public interest would serve more than 12-16 years in Congress. We need them in Delaware, top to bottom.
We certainly don’t need any more 30+ year professional politicians bottling up the political mix in Delaware, stifling progress and creativity with the same cast of characters decade after decade.
It is the work of unforgivable hubris for anyone to think there is no one better or worth representing the citizenry for over a third or even half a century. Talk about stagnation. Look where it has gotten this country.
Correction : “We need term limits in Delaware, top to bottom.”
“We need term limits in Delaware, top to bottom.” Not only that we need to dismantle the beaurcracy and remake it to work FOR THE PEOPLE in the new century instead of against them and their aspirations.
“If Castle quit today the DEGOP would have to just let the seat go. They’d have to watch it drift away like a helpless child at the state fair as watching a balloon shrink in the distance.”
He could do so much good for this state if he wanted, but with all these vested interests what do we do?
Tyler, does your stance on term limits include even Bill Roth? He was doing good work, if you like that sort of work, pretty much up to the end. Arguably he’s the one who gummed up the works, refusing to retire when Castle was ready to run for the seat.
No good Republicans to run for Castle’s seat? I’m not so sure. If the seat were open, I think Alan Levin might conclude that was a more winnable office than governor. If Colm Connolly doesn’t get the federal judgeship he might be recruitable. Charlie Copeland might run for it during an off-year for his state Senate seat.
Granted, that’s fewer possibilities than the Democrats would have, but it’s not as if nobody would step forward. It’s still a lucrative office that requires a lot less work than the governor’s office does. Let’s put it this way, they wouldn’t have to talk Jan Ting into running.
Al,
Term limits are good for both parties. However, I differ with you on any of the folks you Congress.
Given our very humble registration numbers the GOP would have to nominate a very non tradition candidate or the results would be the same as they have for many years. Almost 20 years of continuous losses by the GOP didn’t happen by accident.
If you disgree I can share some of the numbers reserach we have done. It is daunting.
Alan Levin might conclude that was a more winnable office than governor.
Well he might be first in line – but what makes you think he’d crack 40% against even Matt Denn? (No offense Matt.) I think running for Congress is something that takes YEARS of training.
If Colm Connolly doesn’t get the federal judgeship…
Again…You think he’d be up for the GOP’s Ferris Wharton treatment? People say he is smart so I doubt it.
Charlie Copeland
If you wanted to make me laugh you could have also said “John Still.”
I didn’t say the GOP would not find a warm body. I said they would not make it a race.
One more thing. When Republicans (other than Protack and the pink postcard guy) get around to asking, “What happened to this party?” Castle should be in for heaps of scorn for his “leadership” over the past 10 years.
It is the one thing I like about him; his unwavering dedication to dissolution.