Shadow Campaign for Treasurer
There has been a rotten thread running through the Treasurer’s race this year. The thread is that one campaign is trying to destroy their opponent on the way to the Democratic nomination. This is unbecoming of the two fine candidates that are competing to battle Colin Bonini in the fall. Sadly, the force behind this shadow campaign of destruction is so close to one of the candidates that the solution isn’t as simple as firing a staffer.
Charles Potter has been walking the Vote Velda beat in Wilmington, peddling a story that is reported to have “been left on the windshield of his car” one morning. The story behind the story is the most poorly kept secret in Delaware politics, and its appearance is an ugly turn for one of the uglier campaigns this year. More importantly, it backs up one of the worst sub-plots of this election year.
Chip Flowers was accused of hitting one of his girlfriends a few years ago. That’s the story. Charles is very interested in you hearing that part of the story. Charles will even show you the court records (dates of arraignment, continuances, etc.) and the original complaint, replete with fabrications. The missing part of Charles’ story is that Chip Flowers was found not guilty.
What’s worse, the incident that caused the charges to be filed by Chip’s ex-girlfriend happened in the middle of a crowded Columbus Inn, surrounded by some of the who’s who of Delaware politicos. All of them back Chip’s description of the event. The charges were without merit. But because the accuser was a lawyer, recanting her story became a potentially disbarring event. So when it went to trial, the facts won the day and exonerated Chip.
Chip was very forthcoming about his poor relationship decisions as a young man when I spoke to him about this issue. None of his relationship issues warrant the deceitful treatment that Velda’s husband, Charles has been giving the story.
A few weeks ago I was speaking to a former Velda Jones-Potter supporter and we were discussing the race. We agreed that the beauty of this race is that we have two really smart, charismatic and motivated candidates that happen to be African-American. He told me then that his biggest fear was that the way that Charles ran campaigns was with a scorched earth policy. Chip has a real future in Delaware politics, but that if Velda wins, and in the process Charles poisons Chip’s “brand”, it is a net loss for African-Americans in Delaware politics. And here we are, a few short weeks later, and the worst-case scenario has got some legs.
This shadow campaign being conducted by Charles undercuts the very attributes that make Velda a compelling candidate. She is seen as an outsider with roots in the business community, above the fray of politics and impeccably suited for the office. One has to wonder whether she can maintain that image with Charles playing the role of character assassin.
I don’t know how Velda regains control of her own campaign, but she must. Charles’ tactics may be just what the doctor ordered in his city council races, but they don’t garner many votes outside of Wilmington. I can only think that this strategy is a sign of desperation in the face of poor internal polling.
I hope that this is resolved, because Velda is too honorable to let these dishonorable acts be committed in her name.
Charles is a scumbag and Velda can’t be trusted at her word.
Wow. Crappy politics, great blog post.
Is anyone really surprised? This move screams desparation. The whole point of this is to scare people from voting for Chip based on an allegation from which Chip was ultimately found NOT GUILTY. I hope people use their brains and (a) think about Charles’ purpose in sharing this info (to scare people into voting for his wife) and (b) read enough to realize Chip was found not guilty. Why is this even relevant to a campaign for state treasurer? What happened to supporting your candidate because of their message and campaining on such?
Charles better hope nobody attempts to open his closet, for we all know a bunch of skeletons will fall out.
Chipmunk has lost the nomination with a stupid campaign now he’s complaining about under handed tactics? Flowers should do the honorable thing and just quit. He is a serial abuser of women. This stuff has been out there since he wanted to run aginst Matt Denn.
What I want to know about is the stripper? Did he beat a stripper he shacked up with as well as the lawyer? There is another woman as well is there not Chipmunk? He really has a set after all that abuse wanting to run for public office and thinking people would not find this stuff out when there is documentation out there. Tell us about the stripper. Inquirey minds want to know. What a story. The Chipmunk beats the stripper. Sounds like a Horse race?
After reading Fire Ant’s filthy comment I’m inclined to vote for Flowers. If Fire Ant is representative of Potter supporters I want no part of it.
Fire Ant – Grow up! You have the maturity level of a two year old.
It’s painfully clear that you work for the Potters. The information you have posted is meant to be inflammatory and is wholey irrelevant to the race for the Treasurer’s office. It is also clear that this is how Potter supporters work, put out and post information that is not factual. It’s disgusting and I hope the voters see Potter supporters like you for who you are.
Just because your candidate is losing on the ground doesn’t give you the right to post BS. You want to discuss the issues, fine. But what you’re doing smells of pure desperation on behalf of your candidate. Your candidate bankrupted a PAL center and has a failed small business. These are facts. Do you see Chip walking around with a manilla folder showing people this? NO. He is trying to run a clean race.
The best part of this is despite the ignorance of the Potters and supporters like you, Chip won’t quit. You should be afraid….see you on September 14th.
Wow. I cannot believe this, especially in light of the Jones-Potter campaign’s public pronouncements that they are for all intents and purposes the inevitable nominee (Is Mark Penn working for her?). Why would an inevitable nominee resort to desperate smear tactics? Such tactics are a hallmark of campaigns that are losing and desperate to right the ship. It is stunning that such behavior is occurring within the Democratic family. I hope the Democratic Party denounces such vile tactics.
Fire Ant, when did Flowers lose the nomination? Besides, this isn’t about a particular candidate winning or losing. Why is everything these days viewed in such simplistic lens?
For some reason, Wilmington politics never translates well onto a statewide stage. The players are either dirty or incompetent, or both.
Charles Potter is exactly why I won’t be voting for Velda even if she wins the nomination. She seems like a thorough professional and highly competent. But I don’t trust any W-city politician farther than I can throw him. Too much ego, backstabbing and double-dealing.
BTW, there was an error in the NJ’s blog post on the endorsements today that seems to be confusing people. — “Her primary opponent is Chip Flowers, an attorney from Middletown. His campaign has indicated the will remain in the race despite losing the nomination.” — Actually, the nomination comes with the primary. Flowers lost the party’s endorsement.
Fire Ant- You want to talk about documentation and finding stuff out, yet the documentation is exactly what saves Chip from people like you! If you jump at opportunities to inform yourself as quickly as you jump to conclusions, you may be surprised to learn that the truth is documented for your inquiring mind! It is the documentation that proves that Chip is innocent of the charges! And calling him Chipmunk? How creative, Fire Ant!
Tell us about the stripper. Please. He should come clean. He’s been telling a lot of people about it himself. Ask him. He’s not fit to hold public office. Ask him if there is paper work on his woman beating? He has done this over and over and over. Beat women. You simpletons should check a guys backround before you support female abusers for public office.
All I’ve heard is that Flowers faced trial on felony assault in Superior Court. I know nothing about the case, but this is serious stuff. A felony trial doesn’t just happen. Allegations from a complaining witness have to be reviewed at several levels by career professionals at the Attorney General’s office, and be sufficiently persuasive to a grand jury or Common Pleas judge for an indictment to be issued.
Conceivably the allegations were utterly bogus, with the prosecutors, cops and grand jury hoodwinked along the way.
Conceivably the case was strong, but a young prosecutor was rolled by an experienced defense attorney.
Conceivably the trial showed some grisly, ugly, rough stuff, but with enough back-and-forth that the jury found reasonable doubt.
Whatever happened, it doesn’t settle much to say, “Hey, the jury found he wasn’t guilty.” The trial transcript might answer some of these questions.
Fire Ant you are pathetic and simple. Chip has come clean about his issues. You are attempting to cause more BS and a smear campaign on behalf of Velda Jones-Potter. Frankly I am disappointed that such a highly qualified candidate is stooping so low to try to win this campaign.
How about we talk about some issues, perhaps some of her visions for the Treasure’s office other than maintaining the AAA bond rating and keeping her eye on the ball making Delaware the envy of other states. We all see the problem you and Potter have NOTHING to talk about. You won’t even set a time to debate Chip on the issues. Face it, you and your candidate are scared and your ridiculous and degrading posts prove it.
I hope you and Velda sleep well at night with the party nomination based on how you got it. See if that helps you on 9/14. Doubt it!
Who was the last Wilmington politician (not just a pol from W – a city council member or mayor) to get elected to statewide office?
I’m genuinely curious.
Lawyer wantabe politician that has behavioral problems with the opposite sex. Who is fooling who? The guy has serious issues but the blind always leads the blind and tries to stick the public with their flawed candidate. Not happening.
Charles Potter should come clean about the countless people who have been hurt as a result of his smurf porn addiction. Also, Mrs. Jones-Potter needs to tell us all the truth regarding her childhood alien abductions. If aliens truly are controlling her brain, I do not want her controlling our money. Now, I have no proof to back up these allegations, but I did find a mysterious note on my windshield today….. Also I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
For a second I thought I was in New Jersey! This is the kind of sleaze and bull that is politics as usual in that state, never thought we would be doing this in Delaware. FireAnt, I don’t take the word of blogs as gospel. I did my research and found documents that showed Mr. Flowers was found NOT GUILTY. End of the story anything else you say is mistruths and slander. If you want to redeem yourself than convince Ms. Potter to debate Mr. Flowers on real issues pertinent to the Treasurers’ office. And Mr. Potter if your are behind this kind of smear campaign….. shame on you. You are not worthy of anyone’s vote or trust and thus this reflects on Ms.Potter, who I believe is a sincere and educated women. Right now I must say I was on the fence as to who I was going to vote for in the primary but this has pushed me toward Mr. Flowers.
Yes Fire Ant we hear your ridiculous diatribe. It goes a little something like this:
“My candidate has nothing going for her so I am going to get on delawareliberal.com and make some ridiculous diatribe about Chip Flowers to DEFLECT my candidate’s lack of vision.”
The only person with SERIOUS issues here is Velda Jones-Potter. She has no vision for the office for which she is running, her husband is running around trying to stir the pot by telling half truths about an allegation and people like you are on this blog lying.
Sounds like big problems to me. Where’s Velda’s vision and plan for the Treasure’s office??? Charles is that you???? Tell us what your wife plans to do in office. Have your wife debate Chip. Have her re-write her speech so she we can hear something other than about a AAA bond rating and the money school. Tell her to stop using the state’s money to promote her campaign. Tell her that Fidelity’s money shouldn’t be used promote her campaign.
Wow, I see why the Potter camp is DESPERATE.
Failed lawyers group of Delaware. The game is over.
Is it true the stripper’s name is Bambi? Chipmunk is thumper.
“Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah”
Fire Ant, have something else useful to say besides the above? Now you don’t even make any sense. Come back when you’re ready to have a grown up conversation about the candidates’ visions and plans for the Treasurer’s office. The only game being played here is by you and it’s utterly stupid.
I can’t believe Velda Jones-Potter would have the likes of you posting on her behalf. You’d think she would be smart enough to have a representative on here with intelligent conversation about the issues.
Charles, is that you??? Stop doing this disservice to your wife’s campaign….
Fire Ant- Have you have actually asked Mr. Flowers about these accusations? Do you realize that you’re making it harder for women who are in abusive relationships to get the treatment and the support they need? You are making a mockery out of domestic violence. It is a serious issue and you are just throwing it around like you actually care. If you really cared about women being abused, you would not be on here ranting on and on without the facts. It is insecure women who can’t handle a break-up that decide to ruin political careers and extort money (from men like Chip, who have worked hard for their successes) by claiming they’ve been hit! It’s so easy to flood the criminal justice system with claims of abuse that are not real while the real ones get overlooked and women that are desperate for help never see it. Thank you Fire Ant, for downplaying the seriousness of domestic violence.
Thump them @ the office. Thump them @ the strip club and there’s no place sacred that he wont thump a woman. He’s just a plain thump em and dump em kind of guy.
And you’re just a plain idiot. This is the best Velda Jones-Potter has to offer?? Once again Fire Ant, where is Velda’s PLAN? Does she have one? Whispering in the ears of RD’s and calling committee members a hundred times doesn’t cut it.
Again, Chip has come clean about his issues. He isn’t a woman beater or abuser although you and the Potter camp want to scare people into believing this so they won’t vote for Chip. You have no strategy. You have no plan. And worst of all your dirty politics speak for themselves.
Do better.
My Mom told me long ago never to get into a pi$$ing contest with a skunk, so I’ll just set a few things straight.
Hey, Belinsky and Fire Ant, the trial was held in the Court of Common Pleas, not Superior Court, and the charge was Assault 3 — that’s a misdemeanor, not a felony. If you doubt me, ask Charlie Potter to show you the papers.
The larger questions here are for the 14 members of the Democratic State Committee who voted to endorse Velda. They had heard the talk, they knew who was spreading the dirt, and they knew the outcome of the case. So, DSC executive committee, what’s the deal here? Is this the kind of campaigning you want your endorsed candidates to engage in? Are you encouraging or condoning smear campaigns? Do you prefer candidates whose teams throw mud to those who run on the issues?
Mr. Daniello and colleagues, what does the state party’s Executive Committee stand for?
Potter is familiar with these negative campaign tactics. He is well known in the city for being corrupt and dirty. If you thought Palin was bad for McCain, then just keep your eyes on Charles Potter. Flowers is qualified for the job, and he has put together an impressive plan. The Potters are so concerned with spreading false rumors that they must have forgotten to create a plan or lay out any ideas regarding the Treasurer’s office. The choice is easy. Vote Chip Flowers –September 14th.
Enough with all of the BS – let’s get down to the problems that all Delawareans, including myself are currently facing! My husband is jobless, and as a middle class six member family – we are struggling! I have visited both of the aforementioned candidate’s websites and have heard both of them speak at local community events – it seems to me that Flowers is the only candidate out of the two with a plan. Endorsements are meaningless to me and many others that I have spoken to – we are all tired of hearing about the back door deals within the political world. The accusations that I have just read about above are serious; however, was he or was he not found not guilty? Everyone has skeletons in their closet – whether rich or poor – especially politicians. Have you heard about Korn and Velda’s skeletons? Let’s focus on the problems that my family and the problems that thousands of other Delawarean families are facing and elect the candidate who is working for us – not for back door deals!
Wow. What a disgrace. How bad must the Potter campaign’s internal polling look for her and her supporters to resort to such lows? (Fire Ant, can you tell us how far behind Velda’s internal polling shows her? ) Candidates who are ahead remain positive for they have nothing to gain by going negative. Campaigns that are behind by a considerable margin, say, 6-7+ points, will resort to negative attacks two months prior to an election because they are desperate enough to calculate that the risks of a backlash for negative attacks are worth taking. This is especially true, sadly, for politicians from Wilmington where a cynical political arithmetic that says you can add by subtracting, you can multiply by dividing holds widespread sway.
Let’s be realistic here. A decision to make such a vicious attack in a campaign is made at the highest levels. Let’s not fool ourselves and paint Velda as innocent of what her husband and her campaign are doing. It is not as if Charles Potter is a low level staffer going rogue. Velda needs to stop playing a double game in which Charles does all the dirty work and is blamed for her negative attacks while she strikes an angelic public pose. Velda, and the Democratic Party’s establishment which endorsed her, need to strongly denounce these attacks.
I agree with those here who have called for issues in this race to be discussed. Regardless of how far behind Velda’s internal polling shows her, as a statewide candidate and incumbent she owes the public an explanation of what she intends to do over the next four years if elected. Her website, I regret to say, has less substance than my Facebook page! It is a mere monument to her. Everything is about how much the establishment likes her, how much selected people in her life like her (including one elementary school teacher) like her. Her mailers are all about how great she is. We know who she is. We have heard her biography ad nausem. Great. What does stand for? Why is she running? What exactly does she intend to do if elected to a four year term? Any candidate seeking public office owes voters answers to these fundamental questions. Should I vote for her merely because the establishment is madly in love with her because she is the status quo candidate???
This is a baffling story. Chip had an uphill battle against Mrs. Potter so why would she let Charles stoop so low (even though it is business as usual from his Council and Senate campaigns)?
I heard about this story a few days ago from a friend in Wilmington. Evidently it has made it way to every corner of the state.
I hear that Chip found out about the candidate’s husband and his manilla folder from his barber and that Potter was out in full force at last night’s endorsement meeting with envelope in hand….so it isn’t as if Velda isn’t fully on board with these tactics. She must have been aware of what was being done. And that is astounding. I hope that she comes clean to the public and apologises.
And I am sure, Belinsky, if you are so concerned, doubtful and unconvinced about the facts of this four year old court case, the Flowers campaign would be happy to make the transcripts available to you. You are innocent until found guilty in this country, last I checked.
BTW – my Wilmington friend told me that Velda has been collecting money from the City of Wilmgington this year as a consultant. Some people are angry that the Potters want to milk the public for a living. Not my sentiment – but just wondering if anyone can verify what Velda’s been up to.
Holy fucking hell. The only other thread I’ve ever seen go this batshit crazy so quickly involved pink postcards.
Wow, Nancy! Thanks for sharing all that, particularly the last point. That makes me look at the Fidelty ads she has been running in, just not in the News Journal, but reportedly in newspapers across the state in a different light. What does Fidelty expect in exchange for running ads worth thousands of dollars that increase her name identification statewide? Does anyone know how much it costs to advertise once in a single newspaper? Surely it must cost a considerable sum and Velda apparently has been running multiple ads in multiple newspapers all on the dime of a company her office has a contract with. This reeks of Wilmington corruption. The ad touts a program but the only reason to include her name in large print and a large photo of her is to help her campaign…
So, Velda Jones-Potter is taking consulting fees from the City of Wilmington?
So that’s how Velda drives around in that nice “american made” BMW. Paid for by the State, Fidelity Investments and the City of Wilmington (perhaps her the hubcaps are paid for by missing money from the PAL Center).
WOW VJP! Rolling in the doe from the taxpayers!
This is the dem version of pink post cards. I suspect there are some partisans here.
I don’t get the pink post card reference.
Voting for anyone even remotely related to charlie potter is voting for chicago style politics in the delaware way. I wonder if he will bring his goon squad out again at the voting booths to intimidate those voting for anyone besides vjp.
Unfortunately I think Ms. Jones-Potter is a nice and competent woman, but seeing Charles and Tom Gordon always lurking behind her just gives me the heebie jeebies (sp?) I will be casting my vote for Chip.
What is it about Treasurer primary that brings out the crazees?
It should be noted that we are 36 comments into the thread and not one single person has denied that Charles is doing this. That is telling.
Great Article. Hope someone sends it to Mr. Potter and his cronies.
The pink postcards reference goes back to this and this. During the Nixon-Douglas race, Tricky Dick’s supporters went as far as saying that they had “heard some of her best friends are thespians.”
This is all rather sickening. My guess is Fire Ant is Charles Potter himself. You’re a sick, sick man, Charlie.
I am supporting Chip because he has a vision for the office and he’s the only one who’s actually contacted me about his vision for the office. I wrote him off the first time I met him, but then I started to read the material he sent me and it made sense. I heard nothing from Velda. I guess she thought that me being a Markell supporter meant that I would automatically support her. Now this smear campaign makes me an even stronger Chip supporter.
In light of this BS campaign by Velda and her husband, I have asked that the Stonewall Democrats rescind their endorsement of her. You can contact them here and demand the same.
Here we go again! It’s yet another example of Charles Potter thinking he can do whatever he wants and that people will believe whatever he says. Ask the people of Wilmington. It would be hard to find one surprised by these typical, disgraceful Potter tactics…including his own supporters!
Are these the kinds of tactics that the executive committee is endorsing? It certainly appears so. What does that say about them? You have my vote, Mr. Flowers. This stuff is just ridiculous!
@WilmingtonDeDem – the state executive party is run by that thug, John Daniello, the same person who convened a meeting in a pizza parlor back room 2 years ago to endorse Carney over Markell, and then spent over $300K of party money on Carney’s behalf.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m supporting Carney for Congress – I just thought that Markell was the better candidate 2 years ago.
Hmmm, I wonder if Daniello will assault me again this year at the Stonewall event like he did 2 years ago.
Just as interesting that so many people who have never commented here before are all suddenly convinced Chip is “the man with the plan,” and are eager to tell us all about it. Who’s demonstrating desperation again? Could it be both sides?
LG, have you ever gotten Janice Johnson’s version of the story? The one you’re giving sounds awfully one-sided. Doesn’t mean it’s not true, but there’s plenty of time before the primary for the truth to come out. Ms. Johnson returns to her job at Columbia U. Law School on July 26, if you’re interested in contacting her.
Colin Bonini is looking more and more like the favorite in this race come November.
Just WOW. Geezer that’s pretty disgusting. Did you call Ms. Johnson’s job to find out this info? Why are you outing her place of business? What could she possibly say that she didn’t tell the jury?
Desperation on both sides? I don’t think so. Do you really think Chip would have outed his personal business for the masses without being prompted. This whole thing stinks to high heaven. And now Geezer, you have just added another layer by putting Ms. Johnson’s information out there. I am so sure she appreciates this.
Be careful what you stir up….you might find more prominent names in this sinister plot that don’t want to be found out (i.e., people with access to Airforce 2).
Geezer – The only other side here, as far as I can tell, is that of Charles Potter. The point of this isn’t really what Chip was accused of (although he was exonerated, which seems to cast suspicion on Ms. Johnson’s story, no?), rather the story is that Charles Potter is using insinuation and half-truths (and potentially full-out lies) to destroy Chip Flowers.
I understand that politics is a bloodsport, but tactics like this are exactly what we should shun. And there is some evidence that there are people that are dropping out of the campaign team because of Charles’ involvement.
Haven’t been on this site in a while. Disgusting. Just disgusting behavior by the Potters. Geezer, posting that information was just inappropriate. Did you actually try to call her? Unreal and dangerous and reckless. LG, I encourage you not to call any party to a dismissed case. Geezer, stop trying to turn Delaware into a bad episode of TMZ!
While pandoras box has been opened, Bonini’s bad financial past will cause serious issues with the voters. His attempt to air his laundry on Cohen’s column will not work – voters will fry him. I agree though, the Democratic Party’s effort to unify the party through the endorsement process has caused this mess. Shameful, unfortunate and Velda is now a drag on the ticket. If Flowers’ version is true, I give him the edge.
Technically, the case was not dismissed, it was closed when Chip was found not guilty. I am not opposed to discussing this with Ms. Johnson, but like I said, she is beside the point. If she was walking around telling her side of the story to potential voters, great. But Charles Potter is walking around, pretending that he is advocating for the interests of Ms. Johnson by painting Chip as an abuser.
Treasurer – the best paid no-show job in Delaware.
Yeah, if Insurance Commissioner is already taken.
The Insurance Commissioner has actual duties to neglect.
All the Treasurer does is provide an auto-pen signature on day one and sit on the pardons board.(and run for gov.)
OK, I am finally ready to concede a point to you Ishmael. Merry Christmas.
Read Chip’s plan Ishmael and see what the Treasurer’s office can and should be doing.
Ishmael, you’re absolutely right in your description of the current Treasurer’s office. They do little more than sign checks. Chip wants to do more, and he’s put out a plan outlining how he will do so. The reason Mr. Potter wants to sling mud is because in a debate of ideas, Chip wins.
Geezer, why are you putting lighter fluid on this despicable fire? We should stand united in condemning Velda and Charles Potter and their politics of personal destruction borne out of evident desperation. We should also ask if Chairman Daniello and the rest of the Democratic Party’s 23 member Executive Committee endorses such tactics in a primary, or whether the 100 or so RD members who voted to endorse Velda endorse her shameful tactics.
Let me just throw this out there… If I see more astroturfing (in this case, multiple aliases from the same person), you will have your comments deleted. Pick a name and defend your position.
I’m not exactly convinced the outrage here against Geezer and his mentioning of Ms Johnson’s job is all that genuine, not when you consider the sudden flood of previously-unknown commenters rushing to one side of the fence here. Chances are, her place of employment was long ago made public via this lawsuit or the publicity around it.
FTR, none of this is directed at Geek, none of it. He, who has a genuine interest in supporting Chip, never once called Geezer to task, unlike others, in what really seems to be faux outrage. Some free advice, and yes, I think I am qualified to give this here, you do your candidate a disservice when you get too puffy in the chest.
Agreed, Smitty. And for the record, it was not a lawsuit, it was a criminal proceeding. That is important, since the accuser, as a lawyer could have been up before the bar association’s disciplinary board if she is caught lying on a police report. It made the whole thing more difficult to extricate ones self.
Like I said, it isn’t all that much of a secret. To many news outlets, it’s a non-story. I have an interest because Charles is trying to ruin someone with a snowjob.
I don’t question your motivations at all (which I hope you already know), so no need to explain, at least not to me. Despite that you and I will be butting heads in the upcoming months (you fool 😛 ), your still OK in my book, but only OK. You should stive to go higher sometime. HAH.
I also very much understand trying to oust someone or trying to stay ahead of someone who is in the middle of administering a snow job. Some days it absolutely sucks and you take your shots in stride, other days, it’ll be like you hit the lottery. If you believe you’re right in what you’re doing, which I know you do, stick with it, man. You’ll prevail, even if it takes a while.
I hope Bonini wins as I dont want his wasteful butt as my Senator!
heh, I love the astroturf comment almost as much as the puffy chest admonition. I know that Chip has a few young and eager campaign staffers who might learn a thing or two from LG and RS.
I don’t believe that the comments indicate “faux outrage”. I think people are genuinely upset with Charles Potter’s unsavory tactics used against people he does not like.
For the record, I certainly am not a “young” campaign staffer….. Though I wish I was a bit younger 🙂
I was a young and eager staffer in a different lifetime 🙂
I don’t believe that the comments indicate “faux outrage”. I think people are genuinely upset with Charles Potter’s unsavory tactics used against people he does not like.
To clarify, my “faux outrage” criticism was directed at the numerous reactions (but possibly from one person???) pointed at Geezer’s comment about Ms. Johnson and her job. Considering the public knowledge of that info that Geezer put in his comment, that particular criticsm in response is far more opportunistic grand-standing than it is of substance, so that is why I called it “faux outrage.”
I am in no way saying the criticsm of Charles Potter is “faux outrage.” Quite the opposite, actually. I’ve been around this block enough in my life to see, as Geek put it, “snowjobs” in action and trying to dismantle them as Geek is trying to do here. So, don’t confuse what I am calling “faux outrage.” It’s the criticsm of Geezer’s comment, not criticsm of Charles Potter.
Fair enough RSmitty. Thanks for the clarification.
“Geezer that’s pretty disgusting. Did you call Ms. Johnson’s job to find out this info? Why are you outing her place of business? What could she possibly say that she didn’t tell the jury?”
I took the basic step of trying to contact the person who swore out the complaint against Mr. Flowers. There are two sides to every story, and your attitude about hers speaks volumes. She swore out a public complaint, and you all (or maybe just one of you with various “names”) act as if it’s not part of the public record. What are you afraid of? Hearing her side of the story? You all were eager to slag her as a liar, but you’re not willing to name her? Again, why?
Beyond that, what’s this nonsense of “putting her private business out there”? If you’re a public official, you don’t get to have “private business.” Nor do you if you swear out a public complaint. This is not a sexual complaint, it’s an alleged assault.
“We should stand united in condemning Velda and Charles Potter and their politics of personal destruction borne out of evident desperation.”
Fuck you. I’ll stand wherever I damn well please. At this point, I’m voting for Bonini. He might be an idiot, but at least he’s not covered in muck.
Geezer, I disagree with everything you just posted. Clearly her side of the story is already out there. There was a legal proceeding and the facts were established and Chip was cleared (not to mention the politicos who testified on his behalf). I have serious problems with you calling someone’s job to attempt to “retry” the matter and potentially cause this person to make additional lies against Chip. Her name is out there (thanks to Charles Potter and his manilla folder), her story is out there, but you did not have to call her. That is awful and do not attempt to hide behind a line that you are “trying to get her side of the story.” You are trying to cause trouble like a tabloid reporter and you are doing a public disservice – do not use this to boost your radio show’s ratings (yes, we all know who you are, in fact we should call your job and talk about your dirt). As a woman, I am seriously offended and scared of your tactics.
The point of this blog was not about Ms. Johnson. Rather, it was about Charles Potter’s effort to twist the facts to degrade Chip and pump up his wife. No one is even talking about Ms. Johnson and I stand by my statements that you were out of line for calling her at her place of employment. If I were Ms. Johnson, I would seek a restraining order against you.
I frankly don’t care if you disagree, and I consider your threat to try to silence your opponents yet another blow to the credibility of your candidate. IN fact, this post and entire thread have been nothing but an attempt to silence this potential scandal. I have had this material for some time and haven’t publicized it.
“If I were Ms. Johnson, I would seek a restraining order against you.”
You clearly don’t understand the basic rules of journalism. Nor does LG. Again, this is the sort of person who is associated with Chip Flowers. Consider that before you vote for him.
Geezer – My point here is not whether or not the charges were baseless or rooted in fact. There is a fact here that Charles is rumor mongering. Had Chip been found guilty, fine, but the word that I have heard (through multiple, independent sources) is that the fact that there was a finding of not guilty is not part of Charles’ presentation.
Oh, and supporters of both candidates are doing themselves no favors in this thread.
Why is the focus on Charles Potter? We are fooling ourselves if we think Velda has nothing to do with this. Charles Potter is not some low level staffer going rogue. He is the most important person in her campaign. He is an elected official. He is her husband. Evidently he was walking around with copies of the court documents just two days ago at the state party meeting–with St. Velda only a few feet away. To think Velda did not sign off on this is absurd. Yes, Velda comes off as a sweet and innocent person in public but there is a long list of people who appear that way but who have utilized dirty political tactics…
Again, I don’t get the outrage against Geezer here. As a media person, I would expect him to get the other side of the story before taking a position, if even taking a position at all. That alone puts him in a higher regard than most other talk-show hosts who simply pick sides and whoop everyone into a frenzy as a result. It’s actually quite responsible. That he put her job here isn’t invasive at all, since it is public and easily accessible information. If she were a private-sector employee or if that information had never before been made public, then I’d say you would have a good argument against Geezer, but neither is the case, so it’s not all that valid.
(yes, we all know who you are, in fact we should call your job and talk about your dirt).
Why’s that? Should we take this to mean vengance is quite acceptable and what you stand against on one hand is perfectly acceptable on the other?
FTR, I seriously SERIOUSLY doubt Geezer would ever divulge anything that was private, which, through your criticism, you are implying he did or would do.
As a woman, I am seriously offended and scared of your tactics.
HUH?! In all of this, any of this, how is what he said offensive to women? If anything, he wants to give her a platform to tell her story, not demean or hurt her.
Once again Geezer you are showing how classless you are. No one is threatening anyone. No one is afraid. The facts speak for themselves. Chip has lost no credibility and in fact has been honest about the situation. But for Charles Potters’ sad attempt to derail Chip’s campaign on the strength of falsehoods and half-truths, we probably would not be discussing this at all.
I don’t need you tell me anything about what to consider with regard to whom I vote for. I am sure those who post/read this blog see what you are doing.
No matter how you spin it and the profanities you use, calling her job is obscene. You were wrong and you know it. If she wants to talk about the story she will talk on her own. Further, I am NOT trying to protect Chip, this is his story and he can protect himself.
By the way, if you are Bonini supporter, the title of this site is DELAWARE LIBERAL. So you and Mr. Colin “tax lien” Bonini can go congregate elsewhere. I am sure he will be happy to have you.
“the fact that there was a finding of not guilty is not part of Charles’ presentation.”
Which is why none of this has been on the air or in the paper. And checking the story with the complainant is a basic part of the procedure of getting it either place. IN short, nobody in the media is taking the peddled documents at face value. But before accusing the Potters of misbehavior, it makes sense to find out which parts of the story are true and which aren’t. Just as the supposed incidents of which “Fire Ant” wrote shouldn’t be aired without some basic evidence that they actually occurred.
And I stand by my point that the ultimate winner is Colin Bonini.
Actually, Vote, you did threaten Geezer (yes, we all know who you are, in fact we should call your job and talk about your dirt) and you did indicate fear (As a woman, I am seriously offended and scared of your tactics. followed by If I were Ms. Johnson, I would seek a restraining order against you. That can also go under the threat part).
So…it seems with all the accusations you are making against Geezer, you are the one who’s commiting them. I don’t say this to argue with you, I really don’t, but it’s quite apparent.
“No one is threatening anyone.”
“we should call your job and talk about your dirt”
Yeah, you’re just brimming with credibility. If you have nothing to worry about, why are you so worried? And I can support whatever candidate I choose. So can you.
Getting to the issue of verification, Geezer is right that verification should be in order; however, to LG’s side of the argument, I have a hunch (only a hunch) that the person distributing these flyers about Chip also likely did no homework beyond the surface. That being said, it is a scumball tactic to take.
On a different plane here, if this case resulted in NOT GUILTY, could the action of spreading this information in the form of an accusation leave the creator of these documents open to major liability in a civil suit? What I am getting at is, if it was NOT GUILTY, but to continue to put this accusations at him for apparent gain on the Potter side of the ticket, isn’t that defamation with the intent to profit? It’s a question rooted in not knowing the answer, so feedback would be appreciated.
Gee, a Democrat that actually fights with everything they got. Imagine that.
Geezer – it seems to me that if the question is whether Charles is doing a disservice to his candidate (and maligning her opponent) is mostly disjointed from the facts of the case, whatever they may be. I do know that media outlets have had this for a LONG time, and I understand why they aren’t running with the story.
I am admonishing Charles for his judgment in telling half a story. The fact is that there is more to a case than a complaint, like the final disposition. And I am speaking to the need to keep campaigns clean. Charles absolutely has the right to stand up and say that what he is doing is the normal course of politics, but I suspect that neither he nor Velda would engage in this behavior if it were in the open. I have yet to see it in a lit piece.
I know for a fact that Velda masticates several times a day in private.
Smitty – there are no flyers. There is an envelope (probably with a worn-out clasp as this point) that has a complaint and a printout of court dates. He shows it to people with the air of a guy on the street trying to sell you a watch from the inside of his suitcoat. “Hey buddy, wanna buy a watch?”
LOL, A1.
Yes, to clarify: I have not addressed whether this is a scummy tactic because it is so obviously a scummy tactic. Shopping such material to the media automatically shows it’s questionable; otherwise the candidate would raise the charge herself.
By the same token, methinks the Flowers supporters protest an awful lot. Do I really deserve all this anger not for giving credence to the story, but for pointing out that the complainant actually exists? Anyone who has seen the material knows her name; anyone who has picked up the phone to look for her knows where she works. It’s called the internet, folks — get to know it.
And for the record, I did not get it from Mr. Potter.
RSmitty, no one is saying Ms. Johnson doesn’t have a right to tell her story. The issue is she has not asked for a platform, Geezer is trying to give her an unsolicited one. I am sure she is aware that her name is out there as well as information about the case. Have you thought about the fact that maybe she doesn’t want to get disbarred?
Also to be clear, there is nothing wrong with verifying both sides of a story. Following this logic, Geezer would also have to contact Chip for the underlying facts. But again, this is the problem with this entire line of discussion. LG made it crystal clear that his point in writing the article does not relate to the case but the tactics being used by Charles Potter.
Geezer should be concentrating on contacting Charles and Velda Potter regarding LG’s story. That’s why I am upset, Geezer has made Ms. Johnson the main party to this story when in fact she has nothing to do with it. The main parties to the story are the Potters and Chip NOT the Potters, Chip and Ms. Johnson.
As to your other point, RSmitty you bring up some great points about whether Chip has a legal claim against Charles Potter for defamation. It is definitely an intersting legal issue worthy of further investigation.
As to another legal issue, has anyone researched Columbia Unversity’s rules regarding contacting its employees at their job site? It would seem that Columbia would have restrictions, particularly with members of the media, with regard to contacting its employees. At my company, we are not allowed to speak to members of the press about anything (personal or professional) during work hours without permission from the public information office.
“If she wants to talk about the story she will talk on her own.”
How would a woman who lives in New York even know the Potters were peddling this? I realize reason isn’t your strong suit, but where do you get off telling someone what they should and shouldn’t check out when looking for the truth?
HEy, asshole: She’s perfectly capable of saying “no comment.” AGain, you are trying to prevent contact. I presume it’s because you’re afraid of what she might say. You continue to do your candidate no favors.
“Have you thought about the fact that maybe she doesn’t want to get disbarred? ”
Have you ever thought about the fact that if she made this story up out of whole cloth, she SHOULD be disbarred?
Geezer, once again you are showing that you are classless and overly defensive of your actions. Your comments are not worthy of response.
RSmitty and LG let’s continue this discussion on the other issues.
Yes, presumably Ms. Johnson could be quite angry with her story being peddled.
Geezer – I can see your point now (when rereading my post). I called the case without merit and that the complaint is replete with fabrications. I should confirm that. I just wanted to use my new word “replete”. 🙂
“Geezer, once again you are showing that you are classless and overly defensive of your actions. Your comments are not worthy of response.”
NIce try, amateur. The last refuge of the coward.
Sorry, but you don’t get to dictate what other people choose to discuss. Again, trying to silence dissent is typical of who I think you might be. You brought up the topic, deal with the consequences.
I agree with you LG. I think there are some tricky legal issues among all the parties in your post. Personally, I like your use of the word, “replete” :).
“let’s continue this discussion on the other issues.”
In other words, the only part of this I want discussed is how scummy the Potters are.
Please explain why, if this complaint was fabricated, why the complainant should not be disbarred.
Geezer, she should be disbarred. You are 100% correct. More importantly she should be charged with filing a false police report. The question you probably should ask the powers that be is WHY this did not happen? As I stated in an earlier post, this plot runs deep.
A tidbit for you is this – a little birdie told me, “unverified” of course, that she moved to NY before the case began to avoid the entire issue.
As LG may know as well as those who know the whole story, this case really has nothing to do with Chip, Ms. Johnson or even the Potters. It is Delaware’s dirty secret in that the behaviors of other parties who tried to use the incident to cut short his poltical career have been protected. Ms. Johnson may not have been prosecuted because she would have started to talk about why she was not allowed to recant her story.
Interestingly enough, sounds like we are finally in agreement about something.
Perhaps she is no longer practicing in Delaware for reasons related to the case. The he said – she said aspect of the complaint wasn’t in isolation. It was in the crowded Columbus Inn and the witnesses whose story verified Flowers’ version of the story were some of Delaware’s most prominent citizens. Then, there is also a real fishwrap of a detail alluded to above that would certainly be the kicker if the complaintant really were to get reinvolved. Ain’t.gonna.happen.
I have heard a good bit of background about this as well. But it’s mostly he-said/somebody-else-said stuff, which is why I put in the call to the complainant. I understand the desire of Chip’s supporters to clear the record, but it might not be the wisest course to take. Without this post, the whole thing would have stayed known only to a small group of politically active people.
Even without this case, Charles Potter has enough of a reputation that some people wouldn’t vote for Velda anyway. Unfortunately, this also sullies both candidates, neither of whom has a wide base of support to begin with. Sorry for being so crude about this, but plenty of white voters will use this as an excuse to vote for the white guy in the general, no matter what the truth of the matter is.
oh, I was writing that comment as the 11:57 am was published. I am guessing that there are a lot of people in possession of the ‘dirty secret’ of why she wasn’t allowed to recant her story. What do you bet that the Potters weren’t told of it?
Could it be that the filthy GOP machiner leaked it to Potter, knowing what he would do with it, in hopes that the full flush of details would then eventually be released and shake up some top DEMs? Not too far fetched.
Velda hired a ‘GOPer machiner’ Nick Adams, away from Tom Wagner’s office, after all. And Adams answered Ginger Gibson’s call to Velda about her campaign as speaking for the campaign. Nicky boy, Wagner and Potter go back a ways. Are the Potters subject to the twisted plotting of their GOPer ‘friends’. HA! OK, conspiracy me!
“whether Chip has a legal claim against Charles Potter for defamation.”
There is no way a person running for public office could get a court to accept a defamation suit on the basis of a public document.
“It would seem that Columbia would have restrictions, particularly with members of the media, with regard to contacting its employees.”
Ever heard of the First Amendment? You can’t bring legal action against anyone for contacting you before such contact it made.
“At my company, we are not allowed to speak to members of the press about anything (personal or professional) during work hours without permission from the public information office.”
Which is why she is probably going to refuse to comment. That doesn’t preclude me asking her the questions.
Geezer, sadly your final assessment is correct. However, I agree with Chip’s attempt to circumvent Potter’s whisper campaign. I think Chip did the best thing by talking to the DL instead of letting the smear campaign continue without a response. If you are innocent, why hide?
I do not agree with you however about the information staying known to only a small group of people. Charles Potter was showing this information to anyone he could find (political or non-political). According to LG, Charles even showed a barber the infamous manilla folder. So ultimately, LG’s article did not get the ball rolling in this direction, Charles Potter did. It’s really sad, two great african-american candidates could be destroyed by Charles Potter – the exact point of LG’s article.
I’m puzzled by some of the theories being aired here. Are you saying that the complainant lied about an incident that occurred in full view of dozens of people because she was put up to it by someone? Even if she was coerced into following through with the complaint (“if you don’t, we’ll make sure you’re disbarred”), she had to make the complaint in the first place, didn’t she? How could she be coerced into doing that?
VELDA IS BEST FOR STATE TREASURER..MOST QUALIFIED..Period! Look at her resume, an educated voter know this.
Enjoy your day.
Make no mistake, this will destroy Charles Potter more than either Velda or Chip.
Try to realize that the world does not revolve around Wilmington barber shops. There are more voters in any two majority-white districts than in the entire city of Wilmington, and nobody out there would have heard about any of it. I would have counseled patience.
RE: wonder302
Don’t campaign ads have to come with disclosures?
😛
“VELDA IS BEST FOR STATE TREASURER..MOST QUALIFIED..Period”
Even if that’s true, it’s too late to make that case now. Her supporters should have tried that approach before smearing Chip Flowers.
I would have counseled patience.
In the blogging world of DE Politics (no, not the misnamed blog of the same name)? Surely, you gest! 😀
FlOWERS SMEARED HIMSELF…HE SHOULD HAVE KEPT HIS HANDS TO HIMSELF!!!
Oh nice, here we go. As I said last night,
you do your candidate a disservice when you get too puffy in the chest.
Absorb it, breathe it, live it. Your candidate should be calling you right now and telling you to STFU.
wonder302, if you are a supporter of Jones-Potter, you aren’t doing her any favors.
Smitty: I have some experience with this sort of thing. Some might recall the ’96 Senatorial race between Tom Carper and Janet Rzewnicki, in which Rzewnicki supporters released the divorce-action deposition of Carper’s first wife, in which she alleged physical abuse. The papers were released by some obscure Virginia-based conservative think tank, but subsequent reporting (NOT by Celia) determined that the copy was obtained by Rzewnicki’s campaign. Rzewnicki got 30% of the vote, and the allegations in the deposition were completely lost in the controversy.
The key, though, was tying the campaign to the release, something Rzewnicki had furiously denied. If Potter is actually showing this to people himself, he’s both arrogant and dumb.
Hey LG, I’m wondering if anyone outside the Flower’s campaign told you that Potter was doing this? Or are we just taking Flower’s word on that?
I remember that, too, Geezer. Text book example of how to destroy a political career, as well. Given Carper’s stature, it really is hard to believe Rzewnicki would have won anyway, but that definitely influenced the fall to the 30% area and obscurity thereafter.
Geezer, don’t think so hard lol! Maybe she decided to start the ball rolling for her own personal misguided reasons and when she realized that it wasn’t such a “bright” idea she wanted to recant. However, once others got ahold of the complaint, they felt it was an easy way to derail Chip’s political career and refused to let her recant.
This is all speculation of course 🙂
I think Nancy’s thought process may be on spot on and the GOP used Charles Potter to get to Chip. The GOP secretly, and probably through Nick Adams, was using Charles Potter to do their dirty work.
As many know, Sen. Carper had a similar allegation made against him many years ago. He addressed the issue as false and it did not affect his politcal career. In my opinion, had this been kept under the rug and not made public, it would have given the appearance that Chip was hiding something. Tough call either way, but on the balance it’s good that it’s out there and the GOP can’t use it against him in the general election. This really does have the GOP written all over it.
The hilarity of it is that is that it is becoming increasing clear to me that the GOP gave this to Potter in the first place. heh. dumb.as.a.rock.
The not-so-funny part is that these were such great candidates a few weeks ago. Will the GOP filth prevail? At least this is mid-July and not September.
^ Wow, I lost count on the number of leaps in that comment. 😉 The one above Nancy’s.
Nemski – confirmed with others outside of the campaign.
Gracias.
Sorry Nemski, some posts were made before mine that talked about the same things. I was initially answering Geezer’s post from at 12:18 and added on a little something 🙂
Actually, Vote, Carper himself later admitted some of the allegations, but to see it, you will need to purchase Celia Cohen’s book, which came out quite some time after that election. The problem was two-fold: at the time the allegations were made, they were flimsy, but they were also hysterical (not funny, but super-hyped) in nature. Honestly, it’s not something they should have even run with.
‘wondering if anyone outside the Flower’s campaign told you that Potter was doing this? ”
*
I heard it from someone completely unconnected to Flowers. If Potter hit one barbershop he had hit them all and that is the mainstay of connectivity of the black community. This will destroy Potter once and for all. He barely made it through the last election primary (meanwhile calling for an investigation of his DEM primary opponent’s workplace via Tom Wagner).
Potter’s cousin, Dennis Williams, has a lot of power in leg hall as JFC Co-chair. I wonder how much he is regretting the support that he has showered over the Jones-Potter campaign and the people he brought with him. He distanced himself from Potter in the past and if he is running for Mayor, this has now gotten too hot.
I kind of find it comical that all this uproar and suddenly saying the GOP did it makes it all that much better. I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I certainly am not saying you’re right. If you think opposing factions of a primary within your own party aren’t capable of this stuff, then you just really aren’t paying attention to the history of politics. Well, when in Rome.
No, it is just so ripely rendolent of the GOP pulling tricks for a statewide they see as in the least bit vulnerable. 🙂 – that and the fact that the Potters have a trusted employee who is a machiner for the ‘enemy’.
I saw it with Beau – Ferris and was up close and personal when it was with Stewart – Brady.
“[Carper] addressed the issue as false and it did not affect his politcal career.”
You are wrong about that. I don’t know if he ever actually said it was false, because it wasn’t. It was right there in black and white. What happened was that it got lost in the resulting outrage against Rzewnicki. Chip Flowers isn’t stupid. He knows what happened back then, and he’s hoping the same thing happens to the Potters here. Which is why he should have let the whispers continue and addressed them himself in a forum where Velda couldn’t have squirmed off the hook.
You’re right RSmitty, it could go either way. Though I think the GOP could have engineered this whole thing, I don’t put it past being a Charles Potter production.
“Maybe she decided to start the ball rolling for her own personal misguided reasons”
Wait. This is a lawyer we’re talking about, and not some barely-a-lawyer, an associate with Skadden Arps. No lawyer worthy of the title would file such a complaint based on a situation such as the one being described early in this thread — false information that witnesses could debunk? Nobody is that crazy. To turn around your advice, don’t think too little. This still doesn’t add up.
Geezer. Think again. There are people this crazy out there.
You put way to much stock into where a person works and their profession. Common sense is a premium and not everyone has it. A person does this when they think they can win.
This is what happens when they don’t.
You probably should ask the “right” people these questions.
Sorry, but you’re dead wrong. I put stock in education, and a lawyer hired by Skadden Arps usually has a good one. Ask Chip.
The problem with people who talk to the “right” people is they’re usually peddling as one-sided a story as Charlie Potter was. There is no “winning” a criminal case, which is what was filed. Your theory fails your own common-sense test.
“Usually” is the key word. You are unwilling to accept that just maybe, it is possible. You are also asking all of these questions, I am providing answers and you are telling me I can’t be right. You don’t have to take my word for it, I don’t care. But since you’re such an inquiring mind, you should probably go ask your questions to the folks involved. All of them.
Just try it, you may be surprised 🙂
By the way, being a good/highly educated lawyer does not mean one has common sense. Two totally separate entities. Book smarts/lawyer smarts is relatively low on the totem pole with respect to this situation. Please grasp this ^^^^, it will definitely help with your inquisition and help you understand the entire situation makes NO sense.
I tried to refrain from commenting on this article, because I am part of the group that knows the full story. First, in the interest of full disclosure, I like Chip. I knew Ms. Johnson and I am no longer her friend. This story is long and deep, but Ms. Johnson really did a lot to try to destroy Chip’s career and this is only one part of the story that she was involved in. Those who know the full story realize that she is responsible for a lot and interfered with his life for years. Geezer, it is because everyone assumed that she was a lawyer with her background would not lie that allowed her to get away with so much until she was caught. I think Chip has enough information and proof to show that his only mistake was poor judgement in his choice of dates. This is a sad and long story and if the Potters (and FireAnt) would have taken the time to do research, they would thrown away the manilla folder and let this go. As you see, the GOP and Bonini aren’t even touching this one, they have the facts and aren’t risking the blowback.
Both of theses candidates have a future, and I hope that lessons have been learned. Charles Potter must get out of this race and return to the city of Wilmington. Velda must fire him from her campaign and Chip must watch who he dates. We all can move on and keep the final weeks of this campaign clean.
VELDA IS BEST FOR STATE TREASURER ! She has the experiance to carry Delaware to stabilty . I know both Velda and Charles and I can say that they are two of the most trusted people I ever met and are a credit to the community as well as the state . I fully endorse and support Velda Potter for State Treasurer !
Now that was the funniest thing that I’ve heard in this campaign.
Velda is known to often have had daily intercourse with her family members.
A1, not to start any rumors but i have personally seen her masticate in public!
Here is my point. would you elect Paul Clark to New Castle County Executive or Governor knowing his wife is in his ear? So why would you want to vote for Velda if you know someone like charlie is in her ear?