The WaPo Picks Up the Biden Succession Question

Filed in National by on August 25, 2008

In an article in the Tuesday edition, the WaPo picks up on a conversation had here at Delaware Liberal over the weekend. Maybe they even read us?

Early betting in Delaware on whom Minner might pick has centered on the gubernatorial primary, with the loser of that contest potentially winning appointment to the Senate as a consolation prize.

“If the loser is [Carney], it’s very easy to see Governor Minner, who has endorsed him as her successor, appointing him if he would like that office. It’s a little harder to see if the loser is Jack Markell,” said Samuel B. Hoff, a professor of history and political science at Delaware State University. Markell, he explained, may have rankled Minner by criticizing her administration during his campaign.

Another scenario being discussed in state political circles involves Minner appointing a caretaker — a respected Democrat who has no intention of running in 2010. That would allow Beau Biden to complete his service in Iraq and return home to run for Senate. (Minner is 73 and not viewed as interested in the seat herself.)

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  1. R Smitty says:

    Another scenario being discussed in state political circles involves Minner appointing a caretaker — a respected Democrat who has no intention of running in 2010. That would allow Beau Biden to complete his service in Iraq and return home to run for Senate.

    Is Carl Danburg (sp?) up for this one, too?

  2. jason330 says:

    Donviti for caretaker!

  3. cassandra_m says:

    And isn’t interesting that no one discussing this here or these talking heads for the WaPo proposed any of the losers from the Congressional race as a possible replacement or caretaker.

  4. liberalgeek says:

    That is interesting. They never crossed my mind.

    Actually, I say we send Kowalko.

  5. Al Mascitti says:

    A caretaker, by definition, has to be a party loyalist who can absolutely be trusted to step aside when told. Nobody in the congressional race fits the description.

    The caretaker should also be somebody credible enough to hold the job, or sleaziness of the operation will be apparent to all (cough cough…Danburg…cough).

    Can you Republicans please scare up a decent candidate in time? for Senate against Beau, Bill Lee would have my vote…

  6. DPN says:

    Christine O’Donnel . . . I know, I know you asked for a decent candidate.

  7. jason330 says:

    Can you Republicans please scare up a decent candidate in time? for Senate against Beau…

    All signs point to “No.”

  8. anon. says:

    It will be Harriett Windsor Smith.
    You heard it here first.

  9. Ugh…Beau Biden as senator really pisses me off. This can’t happen.

  10. I regret to inform you that the Lovely Karen has nixed the plan to appoint me to Biden’s seat. Something about staying home to help raise the kids…..

  11. mike w. says:

    Jason – Other than his name, what makes Beau even the slightest bit qualified?

  12. The Bidens are to Delaware as the Kennedys are to New Hampshire, Mike. It’s obscene. Back in 1994, a documentary was released detailing the Rhode Island House race in which a 26-year-old Patrick Kennedy went up against a VERY experienced Republican. The documentary detailed about how the voters didn’t give a damn about age or experience, they just felt loyal to the Kennedy brand. It’s pathetic the way people will vote.

    Oh, here’s the documentary. It’s called “Taking on the Kennedys.

  13. jason330 says:

    Mike W –

    If you read my comment again you can see that I was not saying Beau was qualified, but that the DE GOP will not be able to find a decent challenger to Beau Biden.

    And I don’t think any Republicans around here disagree with me.

  14. I say Thurmon Adams… then we can get someone else in the Bridgeville seat, and force a change in leg hall in the process. Might be a grand gesture for retirement.

  15. Tyler Nixon says:

    LOL. Count me in (if Castle and no one else wants it). I am easily as qualified as Beau, except for his AG time, and more qualified than Joe was in ’72…and actually I am a ‘poor’ Irish Catholic kid (born in Delaware) who went to Archmere (on scholarship)…

  16. jason330 says:

    I stand corrected.

  17. mike w. says:

    Jason – I understand that, I just think it’s disgusting that people would vote for Beau simply because of his last name and the (D) next to his name.

  18. C’mon now, Mike. Give me the name of a (D) you would support.

  19. And don’t say Zell Miller or Joe Lieberman.

  20. mike w. says:

    I’m voting for Mike Terranova and he’s a Democrat.