Here are the Delaware house races to watch according to the DL contributors. We’ll be updating and reposting this throughout the year as political fortunes rise and fall. Let us know where we’ve screwed up in the comments.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 2
Hazel Plant (D) has held this seat almost forever. Her strongest challenge came from local activist Donald Farrell in 2006 who garnered 25% of the vote in this crazily gerrymandered district. She did have a challenger in 2008, Robert Brown from the Independent Party of Delaware, who got 5.7% of the vote. This is a Definite Dem Hold District, but signs are that Representative Plant may not run again. She is quite ill and there is an expectation of new blood for this seat. The only thing to watch about this seat is who steps up to run. Rumors are flying fast and include one of Rep. Plant’s sons, City Councilperson Stephanie Boulden and Theo Gregory. The maneuvering for this seat (if Plant retires) will be interesting, but D’s Hold
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 6
Tom Kovach (R) snuck in while the D’s in this Democratic district slept. I don’t think we’ll be sleep walking in this very Dem district next time. D’s Pick up.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 7
Byron Short (D) got 59% to James Bowers 41%. This race has been voted the “Most Likely to Fall Off the Races to Watch List.” D’s hold.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 8
Quinton Johnson (D) got 57.2% against Martha Sturtevant by getting handed the keys Bethany Hall Long’s machine. You will not hear much from Mr. Johnson and that’s how the 8th RD likes it. D’s Hold.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 9
Dick Cathcart (R) weathered the Dem wave with 53% in a slightly Dem district. Unless someone comes out to the blue with a huge war chest. R’s Hold.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 10
Dennis Williams (D) edged out Bob Valihura 50 % to 49% I’d have to call this a toss-up at this point.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 13
John Mitchell (D) beat THE BLUE ENIGMA PARTY’s Jeffery Brown by 90%. Tossup (?)
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 18
The R’s will be gunning for Mike Barbieri who knocked off Spence with 52% of the vote. The district is Dem though and Spence is no longer an incumbent. Dems Hold
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 20
Why the Dems gave Nick Manolakos a pass in this district is a mystery. Leans R
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 24
Daniel Basara (D) gave Bill Oberle a scare in “blue wave” election year. R’s Hold.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 27
Like Barbieri, Earl Jaques (D) has a target on him. Like Barbieri – Jaques stays. D’s Hold.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 29
Thornburg (R) is living on borrowed time. If Paradee runs again he’ll probably take it. Right now...Leans R
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 31
Freshman Darryl Scott (D) will hold the seat unless the R’s do some inspired recruiting. Dems Hold
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 32
Brad Bennett (D) Dems hold. (What district does a certain Republican up and coming Kent County Levy Court Commissioner live in?) If it is Bennett’s this will be the marquee match-up. On the other hand, the R bench is so weak they might have to run him statewide. Dems Hold
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 38
There needs to be one surprise retirement, why not Gerald Hocker (R) ? R’s Hold (unless Hocker quits).
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 41
If John Atkins(D?) avoids the law, he keeps his seat. Dem’s (?) hold.
Senate Races to watch to follow.