This is also really big news from Celia Cohen. Rep. Pam Thornburg (R-Dover West) also announced her retirement at the same Caucus meeting where Bill Oberle announced his. She will become administrator of the Delaware Farm Bureau, a position from which she will no doubt lobby her former colleagues.
This is huge b/c Thornburg barely won reelection against Trey Paradee in 2008. In fact, the first count showed that Paradee had won, Thornburg congratulated him, but a recount showed that Thornburg had indeed prevailed.
If, as I urged here, Paradee has continued to maintain a visible profile in the district, this seat could likely flip to the D column in 2010. I would strongly encourage Paradee to get moving ASAP to discourage prospective R’s from even considering this race. The secret to winning on the second try is by continuing to run after losing the first time. That doesn’t necessarily mean doing door-to-door in the off year (although that really helps), but in appearing at events, community meetings and the like.
Trey, if you haven’t been doing this, then the clock starts now. You are the de facto incumbent. Do what an incumbent would do, listen to and, as best as possible, represent your constituents. You’re welcome.
As I wrote in April, 2009, when I first profiled this district, the registration #’s are good, not great. Back then, they were 6938 D’s, 5567 R’s, and 4119 I’s. They are now 7192 D’s, 5687 R’s and 4302 I’s, marginally better D numbers, but certainly a highly-competitive district.
If Trey Paradee effectively preempts a Rethug challenger by working hard starting today, he wins. It’s that simple.
Otherwise, whether he runs or not, this will be a real (to borrow a Danny Ozark malapropism) cliff-dweller. Your choice, Trey.
Two of El Somnambulo’s Top 10 targets down, eight to go…