Delaware Liberal

Downstate Concerns

Drew Volturo of the Delaware State News tackles the Adgate story.  In it, he presents an angle ignored by the News Journal: the reaction of Kent and Sussex County Democrats.

Kent County Democratic Committee chair Abby Betts said she has received numerous calls from party members since the ad began airing.

“This has made things harder on people down here,” Ms. Betts said, noting that the county committee chose to stay neutral. ” People have been coming up ( to me) and saying that they donated money to the party. Why are they spending it against another Democrat?”

Sussex County Democrats have the uphill battle of defending three county council seats that were vacated by Democratic incumbents Monday, which likely will require state funds, said county chair Thomas Chapman.

“We view party resources as being used for Democrats getting elected over Republicans . It helps propel the whole ticket during the last seven weeks of the campaign,” Mr. Chapman said. ” The Republican Party is the
group we’re trying to compete against, not other Democrats.

“I do believe this was a decision that could have been reconsidered.”   Mr. Chapman said he expects the issue will be raised at the next state party executive committee meeting. Ms. Betts said state party funds were “very vital” in Kent County Democrats picking up a House seat and capturing a majority on Levy Court in 2006, and with several hotly contested races against GOP incumbents expected this fall, those funds will be highly sought.

“You always hope there’s enough money for everyone to get financial support,” Ms. Betts said. ” I am concerned that we’re cutting off some of our funding to our House, Senate and county races up and down the state (by spending the money in a Democratic primary).”

Like I said, it is not just bloggers upset, and our concerns are legitimate party concerns, not some spiteful resentment over the fact that Markell lost the endorsement.

Exit mobile version