Progressive Dems Letter Excoriates Daniello For “Divisive” Ad Buy
This was delivered this morning by hand. I will not blockquote it to aid in readability. I think it is spot on.
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July 27, 2008
Mr. John D. Daniello, Chairman
Delaware Democratic Party
19 East Commons Blvd.
New Castle, DE 19720
Dear John:
Progressive Democrats for Delaware takes strong exception to a recent party decision to spend state party funds on advertising for the party’s endorsed candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial primary. We recognize your right to do this and we certainly understand that John Carney is the endorsed candidate and that the party has an obligation to support him. However, we question whether this tactic will achieve a favorable outcome for either candidate or for the Delaware Democratic Party.
Both John and Jack have conducted outstanding campaigns up to this point and have worked very hard to conduct a primary that is not divisive or damaging to our party. They deserve our respect and our eventual support of the winner for the way this was handled up until last week. But, since the party’s decision to purchase advertising in support of the Carney campaign it’s “Game On” as yesterday’s front page piece in the News Journal states. Again, today, Ron Williams is all over it. The Republicans must be enjoying this tremendously.
This action feeds the public fascination with Democrats’ ability to fight among ourselves. It reinforces every old cliché about our party and plays into a media theme that will have the opposite effect of the desired outcome for the advertising campaign. In fact, it puts stress on BOTH candidates. They have been diverted from the issues to address this family squabble and the press and public are eating it up.
This tactic also damages down ticket candidates who will be tarred by the public with the same brush as John and Jack. Once again, the Democrats are determined to wrestle within our own party, disregard the voting public, and take a strong-arm position with our state government. While you worked very hard to be certain that the endorsement process was fair, transparent, and democratic, this action makes it look anything but. And, as you very well know, appearances are more important than the actual facts when Joe Voter goes to the polls.
We were not privy to the reasons for this ad and can only speculate, but from our perspective it seems much more damaging than helpful. So far it has been a small buy that will only reach a small audience. But oh, what an audience! Placement on WDEL insured that every party activist would hear it or hear about it, and that it would be very divisive. Markell supporters have been outraged. Threats are flying. I have heard you repeatedly state that primaries are damaging to party unity. They don’t have to be, as we’ve seen up until now. But this action practically insures that the 2008 primary season will be bloody. Once again, putting pressure on BOTH candidates and their supporters.
John, the party rules do not require the State Party to stay out of this race. You worked hard to make the party relevant when selecting our candidates and that was good. However, in this case where the two candidates are both good, solid, long-serving members of the party with strong support within the family, spending party resources in such a blatant manner in support of one over the other looks bad. In this case the party should stay out and let the voters have their say. Because, to do otherwise looks like back-room control of the state. The party needs to reverse this decision, not because the rules require it but because it is the smart thing to do. PDD asks that you rethink this strategy.
Onward!
Rebecca Young, Executive Director
Progressive Democrats for Delaware
Copies to:
The Honorable Jack Markell
The Honorable John Carney
Jim Paoli, Chair, New Castle County Democratic Committee
Theo Gregory, Chair, Wilmington Democratic Committee
Abby Betts, Chair, Kent County Democratic Committee
Tom Chapman, Chair, Sussex County Democratic Committee
She’s begging!
Ok, I understand that you support Markell, which is all well and good, but I have to question the Markell supporters. Has anyone ever gone through the list of Markell supporters on his website and seen that one of his supporters is a convicted felon and not registered to vote. Whoa. Maybe somebody should start “Felons for Markell.”
Carney Girl do me a favor. Pandora is begging some Carnie like yourself to give some affirmative argument for why John Carney should be Governor.
Why don’t you give it a shot?
One would wonder why more legislators have not withdrawn their support for John Carney. He has proven a complete disrespect for the job that legislators do in voting the wishes of constituents. The eminenant domain bill passed both houses with resounding clarity yet Mr Carney has indicated that he supports the governors decision to veto this bill (which protects the rights of property owners).
We should all be contacting our legislators and asking thme to back Markell if we value our rights as property owners.
…and so the smears begin.
Thanks, Carney Girl!!
Aren’t Freebery and Gordon convicted felons as well? Don’t they support Carney.
Felons for Carney!
Thanks, John Daniello!!
And I’m still waiting for the pro-Carney argument. I’m also a little perplexed. We obviously have Carney supporters visiting and commenting on this blog, and yet not one of them answered my “I’m so confused” post.
Please respond. Just click on my name in the contributers column and you’ll find the post.
I’ll be waiting.
DD, I don’t believe that Gordon is a convicted felon. He was convicted of misdemeanors, I believe.
Interesting that Carney Girl won’t name names.
Now I want to know when Dems start asking for their money back from the party.
Ok, but Freebery did plead guilty to a felony.
Interesting that, despite days of prodding from Pandora, nobody will step forward to make an argument FOR John Carney. All they can do is attack Markell. Shows you what positive plans they have for the state should their man win.
Still waiting…
That’s called a rational, reasoned approach intended to open up a dialogue, not begging Mr./Ms. Bundy
Al, how did you listen to some of your callers today without screaming.
For example, Bonnie with her fears of foreigners cheering Obama and her nonbelief in global warming, all the while she claimed she was a middle of the road voter who votes for Republicans and Democrats. I laughed at that one.
And that older woman (didn’t catch her name) saying that she received a letter (or email) saying that Obama did not shake a soldier’s hand.
Or that other woman who thinks Markell is being divisive, but then could not think of a reason why he was being divisive except for actually running for Governor (it’s Carney’s turn damnit!!)
I could never be a radio host. I would scream at these people.
DD: I came to the conclusion some time ago that these people are their own worst enemies. One of my regular conservative callers checks in each week to be sure we know that Obama is not merely soft on terrorism, etc., but a Communist. Of course, that same caller insists that Pacem in Terris — yes, the Delaware peace group — is a Communist front group, too.
Plus, I took Liz’s advice and upped my meds. 🙂
Some do believe if you don’t want to destroy the world then you are a Communist.
we need to start using the “read more” html code me thinks. will help with the number of posts we put up and allow the readers to see more of the posts we are putting up…
just an idea
Agree, but I think Jason wanted this entire letter to be visible.
Great idea! Check your email in a minute, DV.
delawaredem: do you know the difference between a felon and one who was not convicted of felony charges! Mike Miller was found guilty of a misdemeanor and he’s running for Congress.
If you followed the AG’s firing of those US attornies who refused to do the bidding of the Bush Justice Dept. is there no question in your mind, that Colm Connoly may have been
“one who did his job” for them.
Why would Delaware be any different from any other state, where “insider” US attornies were placed to “get the democrats”? Do you believe in the Justice System enough to actually think, “hey maybe it was a set up”?
Yes, and big black helicopters full of jackbooted thugs rooted through Sherry’s underwear drawer — c’mon, Liz, you’re hardly trying here.
Oh, now Rich Hefron speaks out for Coons…how wonderful! The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce makes their “prediction” and you the citizens of Delaware don’t know who the “shadowy real determiners of our elected officials are”. Rich Hefron is at the top of Delaware’s most “shadowy figures in my book”.
It is precisely the State Chamber who determines our public policy not the electeds. The elected are simply pawns in their controlled State Chess game. The electeds are told what issue to support ignoring the voters wants, needs and desires.
Leave it to WDEL, its operators, agents and surrogates to bring on Hefron to the airwaves, giving Coons a little boost. Its all so pathetic and nothing more than a continuation of the “Delaware Way”!
Bringing Hefron out today tells me they no Coons has a real problem.
“Mike Miller was found guilty of a misdemeanor and he’s running for Congress.”
Just to footnote the jokes, this is meant as a complimentary comparison to Tom Gordon.
“Rich Hefron is at the top of Delaware’s most “shadowy figures in my book”. ”
Where can I buy a copy? This’ll be a hot one! Let’s see the chapter headings, at least.
Do you believe in the Justice System enough to actually think, “hey maybe it was a set up”?
I think we are approaching the Marion Barry Convergence here…
“Bringing Hefron out today tells me they no Coons has a real problem.”
Beyond the Norm Oliver spelling variation on “know,” it’s worth noting that Loudell has Hefron on as a guest quite often. That he would seek comment from him on a local political issue is about as surprising as Liz having unkind words for a Republican.
Al as usual is off topic….where did you get the idea that I support Sherry Freeberry. She has nothing, nada to do with this campaign! In fact, am told they haven’t even spoken to each other since all this happened. But nice to see you never miss an opportunity to slime, to continue a “distortion” that does not exist.
Great reporting there Al!
Hey Liz, I’ve got a job for you — you can become a new character on “The Slowskys.” You’ll be the one who never gets a joke before the commercial ends…
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Public Policy Insitute are mainly republicans Al, who control every policy, every issue that comes before the State. Its too bad Al that your bosses are De. State Chamber of Commerce supporters, which is why the “right rant” is overshadowed by sensible common sense good government citizen participation.
Sorry Al the only ‘joke’ I get is you! Your words about a “dead kid” is not a joke, in fact that rant was and is unforgiveable.
Oh no Al, I don’t dislike all republicans. I love Tyler Nixon, and if Carney wins the nomination (using every dirty trick in the book), I will be supporting Judge Lee….do no further harm.
“The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Public Policy Insitute are mainly republicans Al, who control every policy, every issue that comes before the State.”
Yes, the played a powerful role in the Bluewater deal. The Republicans, you might find if you visit planet Earth, are on the verge of losing their last handhold on power in Delaware. Nice analysis there.
“Its too bad Al that your bosses are De. State Chamber of Commerce supporters, which is why the “right rant” is overshadowed by sensible common sense good government citizen participation.”
Spoken like a true ’60s-jargon-spouting do-nothing. Peace and love, Liz, peace and love. I especially like the part about “sensible common sense.” That’s my favorite kind, man.
Hey Al, is that Freedom Rock?
“Your words about a “dead kid” is not a joke, in fact that rant was and is unforgiveable.”
There’s your font of human kindness overflowing again. “Unforgiveable” is a word you use so often you must have callouses on your tongue from pronouncing it.
Al, shouldn’t you be making that Medical Examiner call about now. I see you have lots of time to play gotcha…make the call Al, so we can all hear your pathetic apology.
You dumb cluck, it’s over on the other blog.
LG: I made my own mix tape, “Hits of the Hippies.” I used this for the cover:
http://www.roadjunky.com/images/168.jpg
Turn it up, Man! I can’t get enough of that Jefferson Airplane.
I’m partial to “Crimson and Clover” myself. The original, of course, because you just can’t beat a Shondell.
Proud to be a hippi! It was one of the best times of my political life. Will check the “other blog” to see what’s up!
Hate to break in on this love fest with something that actually has something to do with the post, but here’s a serious idea about what progressive dems need to do
http://delawarelibertarian.blogspot.com/2008/07/im-waiting-to-see-progressive-party-of.html