Lotsa stuff percolating on the stove. Let’s try to bring ’em to a boil…
1. Democratic Primary for Oberle Seat
Two D’s have filed in the race to succeed retiring Rep. Bill Oberle in this blue-collar Newark-area district. The D registration edge is so daunting that the winner of the primary almost certainly will win the General…unless Brian McGlinchey and his ‘Working Families Party’ decide to make mischief again. The two candidates are Kay Gallogly and Edward Osienski. I’m sure I’m not alone here at DL in wishing that at least one other candidate with whom we’re familiar would jump in. Osienski contributed to Bill Oberle’s campaign–in short, the type of ‘D’ that kept this seat ‘R’ for so long. Wouldn’t be surprised if he is DeLuca’s/construction trades’ stalking horse here.
2. Cathcart’s Got an Opponent
Democrat Richard Griffiths of Townsend. Don’t know much about him, except that a Google search shows that he is a Commissioner and Head Referee for the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend Youth Soccer League. Not a bad start for a candidacy. Also found out that someone named Richard Griffiths appeared in the original stage production of Equus. Reliable sources indicate it’s not the same guy.
3. Miro’s Got an Opponent
And, on paper, he looks like a good one. David Ellis of Yorktowne has the type of profile that might prove attractive to R’s in this R-leaning district. The R’s have a plus-300 registration margin, but Sokola-like candidates have won in districts far more daunting than this one. And Miro has grown awfully comfortable and may not want to go out and knock doors any more. Worth keeping an eye on…
4. Face-Off in the 36th
D Russ McCabe vs. R Harvey Kenton is one of the most intriguing political matchups on the landscape. Despite a Democratic registration edge of about 1,000, this has been a reliably Republican district. With the retirement of long-time Rep. V. George Carey, however, both parties have landed top recruits. Kenton won the endorsement from the 36th Republican Committee. Here’s a puff piece on his candidacy from the Cape Gazette. McCabe, the long-time director of the Delaware Public Archives, also enjoyed a puff piece in the Cape Gazette. Here’s more about Russ. I have no clue who’s gonna win this one. Anyone from downstate care to hazard a guess? I know and really like Russ McCabe which, I suppose, makes his odds of winning that much longer.
5. Blevins Has an Opponent
Well, she does if Fred Cullis can be considered an opponent. A former ‘candidate’ for the US House of Representatives race, Cullis has instead endorsed Michele Rollins for the post (wonder how his fellow teabaggers feel about that) and has announced his candidacy for Patti Blevins’ state senate seat. Oh well, at least Blevins HAS an opponent, which she deserves, and there is enormous comedic potential in Cullis’ candidacy. He’s got no chance of winning in this overwhelmingly D district, however.
6. The Westhoff Candidacy
I really wish this guy lived in New Castle County. He seems to have everything but geography going for him. Hard to see how he beats good ol’ boy David Wilson, but, if there’s ever going to be a more progressive D Party in Sussex, then we need candidates like Westhoff and Ron Robinson. I intend to send a few shekels his way, hope you’ll consider doing likewise.
7. Punkin’ Chunkin’ Guy to Challenge Ruth Briggs King
Don’t know if he’ll have the D field to himself, or if Ron Robinson will run again, but Frank Shade appears to be a formidable candidate.
Here’s one final observation–while most are projecting Rethuglican gains this year, the Democrats, at least at the legislative level here in Delaware, have been far more successful to date in attracting top-tier candidates. Hard to see how the Rethugs retake the House if the current trend continues.
Bring your feedback and, of course, juicy rumors to this post. Let’s really get this stove all warmed up.