This Abby Livingston Roll Call item on Beau Biden unfolds pretty much as expected. The “local operatives” were probably a couple of people at Dem HQ. Maybe Ed Freel, touting the ‘new’ Tom Carper (still a ‘pup’ after close to 40 years on the public dole). Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce lackey Rich Heffron or Celia Cohen touting the timeless beauty of the status quo. You know, the usual. Then suddenly the needle scratches a new groove.
Few local operatives have any idea when or how the Democrat can ascend in such a small state already dominated by his own party. Meanwhile, Republicans remain deeply divided in Delaware as their voter registration count lags behind Democrats. Operatives from both parties did not expect the GOP to pick up either of the state’s two Senate seats or single at-large House seat soon.
“Obviously, we hope we don’t have to replace anybody federally for a long, long time,” said Delaware Democratic Party Executive Director Joe Aronson.
The First State’s congressional delegation is relatively new to Capitol Hill. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, a 66-year-old Democrat, just won a third term in November after serving a decade in the House. His fellow Democrats, Sen. Chris Coons, 49, and Rep. John Carney, 56, were both elected in 2010.As a result, any vacancy in the near future would shock Delaware politics.
Biden shied away from running for his father’s seat in 2010, but he remains the first name most plugged-in operatives mention. If Biden forgoes another bid for higher office, many other local Democrats are eager to take his place in the political hierarchy. Democrats suggest Carney might run for the Senate eventually.
Other talented Democrats on the party’s radar include Gov. Jack Markell, Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, state Treasurer Chip Flowers and state Sen. Bethany Hall-Long.
Wait… what!? Some local operative is trying to bid up BH-L’s stock? Who would be doing that (other than BH-L?) and why? BH-L is ambitious as the day is long, but does she really merit a top spot on the depth chart. I mean I haven’t been really tuned in this term, but has she done something? If so, fill me in.
What do “local operatives” see in BH-L that they don’t see in Rep. Daryl Scott who I’ve heard mentioned for Auditor? And I could actually see Townsend mentioned on that list. If Beau opts out of another run for AG, seems like a great next step for him.