1. Clark & Taschner Get NCC D Endorsements.
Now don’t go all nu-cu-lar on me, but, from an institutional perspective, they probably made the right choices. No, I’m not endorsing either Paul Clark or Renee Taschner. But, practically speaking, who else were the County D’s going to endorse? There is no Mitch Crane in this contest to offer a viable alternative to Paul Clark as NCC Exec. I think that Rich Krett might have been that guy, but neither Bill Shahan nor Jon Husband have demonstrated the slightest ability to run a competitive campaign. Which leaves the choice between Clark or Gordon. Clark is the incumbent, Gordon is at least as ethically-questionable as Clark, oh, and Clark is the incumbent. I’m no Paul Clark fan, far from it, but, seriously, the alternatives suck at least as much if not more. The Taschner endorsement may seem less clear-cut, but makes sense in that Taschner actively sought the support of the committees. In other words, she courted the people who make the endorsements. So maybe she becomes the establishment candidate to Bill Dunn‘s outsider insurgency efforts. By actively courting the ‘establishment’, Taschner has put herself in position to take advantage of that status. Seems like smart politics to me. Plus, as much as we sometimes blister ‘insider politics’, demonstrating the ability to put together a coalition to win an endorsement is a skill that is transferable to governing effectively. County Council President only gets one vote, just like all the other council members, so coalition-building is essential to having an impact greater than one out of 13.
2. Speaker Gilligan Running for Reelection.
He kept ’em guessing for the better part of two years, but Speaker of the House Bob Gilligan will run for another term and, if reelected, will almost certainly return as Speaker. As well he should. He’s done a superb job as Speaker, he has effectively helped to enact as progressive agenda as we’ve ever seen. He has effectively managed the House in a thoroughly professional manner. He has effectively helped enact the Governor’s agenda. He has effectively helped the D’s to maintain, and even build, on their majority. He clearly loves the institution and, although he could not have enjoyed having to deal with the black eyes left on the institution by the actions of Reps. John Atkins and Brad Bennett, I think the people of Delaware should be relieved that he has decided to run once again.
3. What the Bleep’s Going On In the 3rd Senatorial District?
Incumbent Bob Marshall has yet to file, no one appears to know if he will, including Bob Marshall, who may or may not run for Mayor. The only filed candidate is Tim Meades, Sr., and here’s all you need to know about him. Item #3, if you’re disinclined to read my timeless prose. Eric Anderson, who does have credentials, announced his intention to run, but hasn’t filed, and it’s an open question as to whether he will. Rep. Helene Keeley, who would figure to be the odds-on favorite to succeed Marshall should he not run, has filed for reelection in the 3rd Representative District. Of course, nothing’s final until it’s final. However, I have to think that a lot of people would like to know what’s going on here, incuding the Senate leadership. Should Marshall not run, look for a game of political musical chairs. A lot of people are standing around just waiting for the music to start.
4. Sussex County Gets the Representation It Deserves.
Incumbent John Atkins, who is equally adept at burning tires and burning bridges, has an opponent. No, DL loyalists, this isn’t a cause for Bacchanalian revelry (something else with which John Atkins is reportedly not unfamiliar). His opponent is Richard G. Collins, Executive Director of the so-called ‘Positive Growth Alliance’, which of course, is dedicated to “Improving the Quality of Life Through Free Enterprise”. Feel free to read the empty rhetoric. It’s just a downstate spew of what Charles ‘Bouvier de Flandres’ Copeland puts forward upstate. In other words, dog whistles. With multimillionaire bucks behind them. Here’s who they are, in their own words:
We are a rapidly growing coalition of landowners, business owners, employees, and their families, as well as those who are passionate about defending liberty. As a 501(c)(4) non-profit, we defend property rights and promote the benefits of free enterprise in creating economic growth. We are an influential voice to counter the anti-growth movement.Our membership base is growing daily as citizens have found a voice and renewed sense of hope.
Atkins vs. Richard Collins. Truly the type of choice that residents of Millsboro and its environs deserve.
4. A Bodacious Candidacy?
Samba Tata has filed as the fourth candidate in the Democratic primary to succeed Rep. Terry Schooley in the 23rd District. I already had quite the fantasy going on in my head ( cue fantasy interlude)…:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19CZwh392xI[/youtube]
…when I found out that–Samba Tata is a man, and a staffer for the State House of Representatives. Fantasy officially crushed. Hey, I was wrong. Can you blame me? BTW, Terry Schooley officially withdrew her candidacy, as she had previously announced she would do.
5. All House D’s Present And Accounted For. Uh, Except For One.
All incumbent Democratic House members who intended to seek reelection have now filed. With the exception of John Atkins, whose party affiliation is meaningless. Speaker Gilligan is the final incumbent to file. Rep. Dennis P. Williams (1st RD), Terry Schooley (23rd), and Brad Bennett(32nd), are not seeking reelection for various reasons. While I may have missed some others, only two R’s have yet to file in their current districts: Rep. David Wilson (35th RD) and Rep. Dan Short (39th RD). Neither district offers much of a chance for a D pickup, regardless of whether the incumbent runs or not. Perhaps Wilson and Short are facing prospective Tea Party insurgent candidacies?
6. Matlusky Withdraws, Refiles.
Remember just last week when I reported that Ken Matlusky had filed for the 8th Wilmington Councilmanic District, the district that had been vacated by Stephen Martelli? Matlusky withdrew his candidacy this week, likely b/c Bud Freel had let it be known that he would seek the seat rather than his current at-large seat. Matlusky has since refiled for an At-Large seat on Wilmington City Council.
That’s it for this week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?