1. A Surprise R Primary in the 22th RD.
The Conventional Wisdom was wrong. Again. Following redistricting, two Republican representatives, Joe Miro and Nick Manolakos, found themselves in the same district, the strong R-leaning 22nd in NW New Castle County. Conventional wisdom was that Manolakos ultimately would decide not to primary Joe Miro. Well, Manolakos filed this week and will battle Miro in the September primary. Conventional wisdom suggests that Miro is the favorite. Need I say more? The winner faces Democrat David Ellis in November.
2. All About Ezra.
We get press releases from candidates all the time, as do every other media outlet. It is exceedingly rare, however, that someone’s campaign manager sends out a press release announcing that someone’s campaign manager will be someone’s campaign manager. And for good reason. Good campaign managers know that there is only one candidate and only one campaign manager, and that all the focus should be on the candidate. That, however, did not stop Ezra Temko from announcing that he, Ezra Temko, would be managing the campaign of Claudia Bock for State Representative in the 23rd RD. Perhaps fittingly, Temko spends at least the first 50% of the press release talking about himself, Ezra Temko, and his ongoing search for enlightenment. And then he closes with basically 10 boilerplate reasons he’s supporting Bock. Read the release for yourself and decide whose interests he’s really trying to serve here (PDF file).
3. D Budget Hawk to Seek Bennett Seat.
The good news? He’s credible and has been an elected official for ten years. Former Dover City Councilman Bill McGlumphy has filed as a D to seek the 32nd RD seat vacated by fellow D Brad Bennett. While he’s far from the most progressive of legislators, the 32nd is far from the most progressive of districts, and Brad Bennett fit the mold of the district. Except for that DUI and messy personal stuff. McGlumphy at least offers a fighting chance to keep this seat in the D column, which is a much-improved situation since just last week. Besides, I kinda like a guy who can come up with something like this:
“In reality, I feel more like a woodpecker – time to move to a different tree.”
4. Is Rep. Dan Short Retiring?
I ask because (a) he has not yet filed; and (b) another Republican has. Patrick J. Murray filed this week for Short’s 39th RD seat. Couldn’t find out a thing about him on The Google, although there was a well-known Patrick W. Murray who was a fixture in State Republican politics. Sussex spies, whaddayagot?
5. Clara Zahradnik Enters Wilmington Council-At-Large Race.
Sure seems like a worthy addition. President of the Cool Spring-Tilton Neighborhood Association. Played a key role in the replacement and redesign of the Cool Spring reservoir. While I don’t know her, and while this is not an endorsement, if I were a resident in Wilmington, Zahradnik is the type of accomplished person I’d want to see on Council. Pretty much an instant upgrade. Can anyone provide more information on her?
6. The Libertarians Are Coming! The Libertarians Are Coming!
Memorialized for the sake of historical accuracy, here are the Libertarian filings for this week: Gwendolyn Jones, SD 6; John Potter, SD 21; Margaret Melson, RD 14; Valerie Valeska, RD 20; Ronnie Fitzgerald, RD 35; and David Eisenhour, Sussex County Clerk of the Peace. All of these candidates are running in Sussex County and, in some cases, they are the only alternatives to the incumbents. You can find more info on the Sussex County Libertarian Party here.
7. Filings, We Have Filings!
In addition to those already mentioned, State Rep. David Wilson (R-35th RD) and Kent County Clerk of the Peace Loretta Wootten (D) have filed for reelection.
That’s it for this week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?