I like thinking ahead, even if it is a pointless exercise. Assuming Governor Markell, Lt. Governor Denn, Senator Carper and Congressman Carney win reelection next year, and assuming Attorney General Biden wins a third term in 2014 and Senator Coons and State Treasurer Chip Flowers win reelection to their respective offices in 2014, it sets up 2016 as an interesting year for possible confrontation and primaries among the deep Democratic statewide lineup. It might be 2008 all over again.
Here is a rundown of offices and the possible candidates:
Governor
Lt. Governor Denn
Treasurer Flowers
Attorney General Biden
Lt. Governor
Treasurer Flowers
Insurance Commissioner Crane
Then in 2018, I finally expect Senator Carper to retire, which sets up another possible collision course:
Senator
Fmr. Governor Markell
Attorney General Biden (if he has not been elected Governor)
Congressman Carney
Of course, events and the Delaware Way may figure this all out long before these potential primaries occur. Lt. Governor Denn may not run for Governor, and Flowers may decide to run for Lt. Governor instead in order to avoid a primary, leaving Biden as the gubernatorial nominee. Congressman Carney may decide to stay where he is in order to avoid another matchup with Markell. The one thing I find interesting though is Chip Flowers. I recall another State Treasurer with higher ambitions and enthusiastic campaign volunteers. And if I recall that State Treasurer was successful in moving up against the Delaware Way.