For decades, a conservative represented the 19th. And now a conservative will again represent the 19th. Nothing will change except for the letter behind the name. I am personally glad that Booth won. It is an overwhelming conservative district and I much rather have a Republican elected from it than a conservative Democrat that would thwart Democratic goals in the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Another reason I am glad is because while the Rethugs get a 6th Senator (wow, that is pathetic), we now have a real chance to pick up a super majority in the House by winning Booth’s seat in the 37th RD. I will defer to others as to how winnable that district is. I have heard that it is relatively winnable for a Democrat, but what kind of Democrat? If it is only winnable by a Thurman Adams Democrat, then, well, see above.
Polly Mervine was a horrible candidate. I cannot say that enough. She expected to coast into office on her maiden name, and campaigned accordingly. She took no hard stances on the issues. She and her husband (who acted more like the candidate in some appearances) insulted key Democratic constituencies when they dared seek her position on equality. She was arrogant, entitled, and ultimately, a loser. May her short political career rest in peace.
Finally, our horrible Department of Elections. It is 9:32 pm as I write this, more than 90 minutes after the polls have closed. And not a single vote has been posted. Not a single news organization has reported the actual raw vote totals, because they do not have them. We only know that Booth won because we have been told he won. It is not acceptable to excuse this epic fail on technical difficulties. It is the Department of Elections’ job to prepare for such difficulties and account for them. A few machines having problems is to be expected. But to not report a single vote total for hours from every precinct in the district? Either all the machines failed or no one in Sussex County or the Department of Elections can a) count and b) master a telephone. That is incompetence. And someone must be fired for it. I want a firing tomorrow or I will blame the Governor, for he is ultimately responsible.