Now that Representative Terry Schooley has announced that she is not running for reelection…. well before we move on to the race to replace her, I just have to show you this sweet picture of her colleagues applauding Schooley after her announcement.
Picture courtesy of the House Democratic Caucus.
You can see quite clearly that Representatives Heffernan and George are in tears. Terry, you will be missed.
But now to the politics of it, and the race is definitely on to replace her on the Democratic side at least. Paul Baumbach, the President of the Progressive Democrats for Delaware, announced his candidacy here on Delaware Liberal, and officially filed. Here is Baumbach’s statement on his candidacy:
“I would bring the experience, passion, and principles that 23rd District voters demand on important issues. [..] I have deeply held convictions, and will fight for them, while recognizing that success in the General Assembly requires always showing respect to colleagues. [..] I pledge to 1) avoid any negative campaigning during the primary, and 2) support whichever Democratic candidate the voters in the 23rd RD choose on September 11th. I expect that if all such candidates adopt such a pledge, this primary can actually strengthen the winning candidate, and improve our party’s chances of retaining this seat in November.”
Baumbach notes that his experience as a business owner and financial planner is needed in the critical financial deliberations facing the state.
And he has fans here in Idealist and Nancy Willing, respectively:
Back in 2008, when I was still a student at the University of Delaware, Paul was a huge help to our “Students for Obama” group. He offered us his office to use for phone banking and even organized rides up to Philadelphia for our members to do door to door canvassing. Paul will be a very formidable candidate and an even better legislator once he’s elected. He’s an outspoken proponent of progressive causes and his financial advising background offers him an unique perspective on economic issues.
Paul’s leadership during the Newark Charter School fiasco is proof enough of his abilities of persuasive, mature statesmanship. He’s out there ‘on the street’ on the issues and he is extremely electable.
Jerry Grant has also filed his candidacy, and while I do not know him personally, he has his supporters here and in the 23rd. Jerry is the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives, and is a Committee Member in the 23rd RD Committee. Even Paul Baumbach is a fan:
I agree 100% on Jerry’s qualities. I am pleased that the 23rd RD voters have a choice on who they wish to represent them. I am committed to a 100% positive primary campaign, and if the voters choose Jerry on September 11th, he will have my full support in the general election campaign. I consider Jerry a friend, and would like him to consider me a friend on September 12th, whichever way the votes go.
My colleague El Som considers Jerry Grant a true progressive as well as Paul. Thus, we progressives have a genuine win-win situation here, and a golden opportunity for the rare of rarities: a positive campaign about ideas. Full Disclosure time: I work closely with Paul at the Progressive Democrats for Delaware. He has my support. El Som worked closely with Jerry Grant. Jerry has El Som’s support. Neither of us live in the 23rd, but for those of you who do, you have a great choice.