The 62 Project: #’s 29 and 33
Today’s installment asks the musical question: “Do I grade on a curve when it comes to Republicans?”
Why, yes, yes I do. Except when I don’t.
Another question: Does public comment influence me. Yes, but only to a certain extent.
Puzzled? I’ll make everything as clear as taupe (think stockings, as I often do). Starting now.
29. MIKE RAMONE (R-21st RD)
The District: According to Ramone’s website, “…the 21st Representative District is located in northwest New Castle County and includes Pike Creek Valley, Carousel Farms Park and the White Clay State Park”. A suburban greater Newark district (click ‘District Map’ here). The district is, or should be, a swing-D district, with 7411 D’s; 5213 R’s; and 4790 I’s. Those figures are misleading, though, as there was a pretty massive switch from R’s to D’s to vote in the 2008 Markell-Carney Democratic primary for governor. Almost all of them for Markell. So, there are plenty of DINOs in the district, or would be, if the national R’s hadn’t slipped off the rails. Ramone is in his third term, having succeeded native Oklahoman (and she sounded like it) Pam Maier. The district basically had close to a 50-50 registration before the primary when Ramone first ran.
Ramone has run a string of small businesses, some successfully, some not so much. (BTW, click this link for some trenchant and cogent analysis from 2009. This one, too.) Yes, those were back in the days when I still wrote in the third person.
Until this year, most legislators viewed Ramone as an unprepared relative lightweight. This article from Nemski may give you some idea why. For all I know he may still be. But I doubt that anyone moved up in the rankings (of course, there weren’t any prior rankings, but had there been…) as far as Ramone. Of course, he had pretty far to go. But, for some reason, Mike Ramone voted with the progressives far more, I mean far more, than any other R member of the House. Not to mention several D’s This was a significant and, to my mind, unexpected change. Check the votes. Gay marriage? Check. Mandatory reporting of lost/stolen guns? Check. Keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally-ill? Check. Mandatory background checks on gun purchasers? Check. Restored voting rights for felons? Check. He even (Pandora Alert!) went not voting on HB 165.
Several of us here at Delaware Liberal were disappointed when Sen. Karen Peterson purportedly discouraged a Democratic challenger to Ramone. Including me. As usual, it looks like Karen knew what she was doing. Ramone’s evolution from just a caucus member to a valuable cog in the progressive coalition was one of the most shocking and positive developments of the year. There is no one in the R caucus like him, or even close. Memo to Mike: You have lots of friends on the other side of the aisle. You won’t even have to move your own desk, someone will do it for you. Just don’t sign anything before you read it.
33. ANDRIA BENNETT (D-32nd RD)
Before we get into the analysis, yes, I was influenced by both readers and legislators and moved her up the list from my initial ranking. When people like John Kowalko and Bryan Townsend vouch for you, I pay attention.
The District: Perhaps no district was made safer through redistricting than this one. It went from a swing-D district (that had elected the odious insurance industry lapdog Donna Stone for years) to as solid a D district as you’ll find in Kent County. 6280 D; 3117 R; 3212 I. And we’re not talking DINO’s either. The bulk of the district is within the Dover city limits, and reflect traditional D core constituencies. Here’s the map (PDF). And let’s face it. Not even the pre-2012 constituency moved to oust Brad Bennett, who had experienced his first DUI misadventure. This, for all intents and purposes, is a safe D seat going forward.
Andria Bennett, who was serving as a legislative aide for the State Senate, and who is the daughter of undistinguished Rep. John Viola, ran for her husband’s seat following his decision not to run for reelection after his second, and probably more notorious, DUI arrest. Here’s how I pegged it back then right after the arrest. He eventually took to the House floor and tearfully apologized for the disrepute he had brought on the institution. Andria Bennett won a primary, against former Dover City Council budget hawk Bill McGlumphy, and defeated an ancient R Justice of the Peace, Ellis Parrott, in the general. Parrott physically resembled proud know-nothing Sen. Jim Vaughn to a disconcerting degree. Might’ve been enough for me to vote for Bennett. I know, I know, I’m shallow.
Her voting record has been a mixed bag in her first year. She supported gay marriage. She opposed SB 16, which would have required the reporting of lost and stolen firearms. She supported legislation designed to keep firearms out of the hands of mentally-disturbed people. She opposed the mandatory criminal background check legislation. Most importantly, at least to me, she not only voted to bury the minimum wage increase in the House Business Lapdog Committee (for newbies, its proper title is the House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance/Commerce Committee; House Business Lapdog Committee is more accurate, trust me), she cited Chamber of Commerce talking points as her reason for doing so. Because, you know, when it comes to minimum wage, nobody is more even-handed and impartial than the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. Maybe Bennett should read something like this, at least for perspective.
She did, however, sponsor two really good bills and, according to reports, was an effective advocate for both. HB 163 helps to ensure that comprehensive transitional services are provided for youth aging out of foster care, and HB 64 allows parents to ‘freeze’ their minor children’s credit cards to protect them from identity theft. That’s the kind of good legislating that I respect, and it’s the only reason why she’s ranked this highly.
To move up further, she needs to read more than just Chamber talking points when making up her mind on minimum wage, and she needs to show more independence from the NRA. Actually, for her to move up on this list, she has to reverse her position on the minimum wage. She’s got a safe district, let’s see what she really stands for. Is she a progressive, or not? And, does she stand for anything other than her own reelection? There is evidence on both sides, which makes this ranking about right to me for now. To be continued.
Tags: El Somnambulo, Featured, Rep. Andria Bennett, Rep. Mike Ramone, Steve Tanzer Delaware
“But, for some reason, Mike Ramone voted with the progressives far more, I mean far more, than any other R member of the House. ”
It might have something to do with those 7000 Dems in his district, many of whom are actual progressive Dems from a college town. Ramone has little to fear from a conservative backlash, but much to fear from angering liberals.
Ramone’s 2006 campaign vs. Sokola was a near-teabagger, social conservative, Chamber of Commerce exercise that left a poor impression on the emerging Dem majorities. I recall him speaking against minimum wage increase at that time; I hope his views there have progressed.
“…You won’t even have to move your own desk,”
How about a trade for Atkins?
Puck: Don’t think there’s much, if any, Newark municipal, or UD, area in his district.
You’re right, though, about having little to fear from the D’s. But he could well face a more conservative R challenger in a primary. Which is why I think he may consider a move across the aisle.
No, I think you misunderstand Puck. Puck is saying that Ramone has A LOT to fear from his left, which is why he is now voting yes on some key Democratic/progressive issues, like marriage equality. If Ramone had voted no, and betrayed Senator Peterson, he would have been seriously challenged and defeated in the next election.
Exactly DD. I don’t think a conservative R challenger would get much traction in Ramone’s district, but Ramone would definitely have to run to his left.
I get that. Just pointing out that this is not a UD-based district, and is not full of progressive college kids.
Best of both worlds? Ramone gets a conservative challenger, and switches parties.
I know we’re only two days in. But, what info aren’t you getting that you’d like to see included in these profiles?
Also, if you disagree with these rankings, please comment on it. Ideally, on those I’ve ranked already as opposed to those I haven’t yet ranked.
I’ve been in sessions on at least three occasions where Bennett was not paying enough attention to vote and her name had to be called at least twice, once it was three times. This may seem like a little thing, but it makes me question her seriousness as a legislator and I find it incredibly disrespectful. Therefore, I would put her very low on the list.
El Som, I think I will need to see the list in its entirety before I can comment on who should be higher or lower. Right now, everything seems right. It will be a good idea when you are done this series to do a final post with the full list. Then you will get reaction on who should be higher or lower.
Ramone’s votes on Marriage Equality and Transgender Rights had nothing whatsoever to do with the number of Ds in his District. It has to do with the fact that he is, deep down in his bones, a supporter of both of those issues. That’s why the rest of the GOPers are treating him like he has leprosy, if he was just voting his District, they would treat him more like Senator Bathroom Break, er, I mean Cloutier.
After another session or two, I guarantee that you will be ranking Rep. Bennett higher on your list. For now, I’m impressed that you put her at 33, you’ve been so biased towards her because of her husband and her father that I assumed she’d be ranked much lower. She is a good legislator and I expect great things from her in the future.
I have to say I’m a bit disappointed in your exclusion of trans rights in any of these rankings. Votes in favor of that bill required far more courage with far less reward than a number of other progressive issues that you consistently highlight.
Sen. Poore yesterday and Reps. Bennett and Ramone today deserve to be higher. These three were among the most compassionate people in the whole General Assembly, and they were courageous in their support for transgender rights.
Rep. Ramone was the only legislator in the entire assembly who called out Nicole Theis for her hate and her blatant lies. And he did it on the House floor. He didn’t do it for his district – hell, how many people in his district would know what he said on the floor of the House – he did it because it needed to be done. The man is a hero to LGBT people in this state. He has been shunned by his own caucus. And he speaks the truth when too many are too scared to do so. He really should be higher.
DD: We’ll definitely do some list thingy. After all, my thought is that there can and will be movement on that list once the General Assembly reconvenes. BTW, where are you getting those photos? That’s fantastic stuff. Thanks!
anon: Maybe he IS that compassionate. Just asking why we didn’t see it before.
Sarah: You’re right. I’ll take that into consideration moving forward.
As always, you rock.
And this series is really interesting! Great idea and fabulous work 🙂
I guess legislators will be judged on one issue or another – by the comments above – very immediate and self serving – I hope this review is done on a bi- annual basis prior to primary/general election season- like in July 2014-
There indeed seems to be an early focus on one issue or another. Too much so, in my opinion. That’s not how I plan to rank the legislators. As I previously wrote, I’ll rank based on my evaluation of their careers in toto, with a bit more emphasis on the most recent.
Those who have only been in office a short time clearly have less of a record to judge them by. So their rankings can change more based upon a couple of votes, or a change in philosophy. Those with more longevity are less likely to have wide swings.
I’m gonna continue to do my annual ‘Most Valuable to the Progressive Cause’ list. That’s where someone can rank highly based on the past year alone.
Once the Project 62 list is complete, changes can occur at any time, based on circumstances. The most likely initial circumstance would be that I ranked someone too high or too low to begin with. But, you’ll see incremental changes as well.
BTW, I’m working the next few days, so the series may ‘languish’ until Monday or so. Don’t worry, lots more to come.
So there isn’t going to be a Bennett v. Bennett primary? Celia Cohen makes a sad face.
Sen. Poore yesterday and Reps. Bennett and Ramone today deserve to be higher. These three were among the most compassionate people in the whole General Assembly,
When we finally get a minimum wage inrcrease on the floor, then we will find out who is compassionate and who is not.
Right. Supporting civil rights equality earns you some cred, and generally a better ranking than those who don’t.
But, failure to support economic justice for those trying to scrape by prevents you from moving higher.
Andria Bennett voted to bury the minimum wage increase in House committee, and quoted Chamber talking points to justify her vote. She’s not rising much higher on this list unless/until she stands up for traditional Democratic constituencies against the collective greed of corporate interests.
She’s not the only one who has taken this position, and others will be called out on it before this series is done.
I don’t think support for equal rights alone is enough. Don’t get me wrong. But the formula seemed to be missing some issues: including trans rights and the death penalty (I saw the rationale for not including that issue, but I disagree with it). I’m only arguing for a more comprehensive formula based on issues beyond minimum wage, education reform, and (occasionally) marriage equality.
And when a more holistic formula is included, I do think that many of these folks deserve to be higher.
I have personally worked and volunteered on Rep. Bennett’s campaign and I must say I am appalled at the comment that was made of her supposedly not paying enough attention in the Legislature. I have been to the Legislature many times and every single time I go I notice that she is working hard, listening and asking questions… Not just fooling around in there.
they are all going to get a pass on ed reform. A travesty foisted upon our children, can’t think of much more important an issue.
My rankings: Voters against HB 165 and SB 51, get ranked in a tie for # 1, all those in favor of those two bills are tied at #62.
So, let me get this straight. TWO bills in ONE General Assembly should determine the career rankings of all 62 legislators, regardless of how long they’ve been there, and regardless of whatever accomplishments they may, or may not have, racked up.
OK. Guess that’s one way of doing it.
El Som… I get that your system takes many things into account over time. But HB 165 is a sore point for education advocates. Who was the legislator who voted for it but admitted he didn’t know what was in it? Remember, the boards of the most populous districts passed resolutions against the bill (Christina, Red Clay) and Capital.The public too was uninformed about the bill, and the heavyweight advocates of the bill took every advantage of that. If these legislators are willing to carry water for the governor in disdain for the process and for the public, what other legislation are they willing to pass in that manner? It speaks to their character. That’s what makes it such a good litmus test. Overall, the campaign for this bill left a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths that won’t soon be forgotten.
One of the most progressive legislative ideals is to make sure that those who can’t speak for themselves are represented when legislation appears that affects them. HB165 was one of those bills where the kids who will be affected were not represented by those who should have been. HB 165 throws city and rural kids who are left in public school under the bus — letting Charters off of the hook for the thing they said they could do — educate kids cheaper and better than regular public schools. Apparently they can’t and the money grab is a way to further undermine public school kids and throw more money at Charters. Education is supposed to be the priority of this Governor and those who voted for this thing (that the Governor signed ) showed that the education of a few was what was important. When do these legislators get to making sure that those in public schools are funded to do what they need to do?
Education is key to much of what goes on in the state — job preparedness, college readiness, property values, attractiveness to employers, etc — and HB165 let everyone take their eye off of the ball for the sake of a few. Frankly, there’s no real reason why Education Policy and support of ALL the state’s schools shouldn’t be weighted pretty highly. As long as (if you live in NCCo) moving to Chester or Delaware Co PA is a really attractive option for educating your kids, you can see the current education project as not getting much better. In spite of all of the promises.
The education bills are/were weighted. And I know it left a bad taste in some people’s mouths, including mine.
But the notion that those bills, and those bills alone, should determine the rankings is just silly, IMHO.
John Young’s meme that legislators are getting a pass for this is demonstrably incorrect. Puck asked, ‘Who was the legislator who voted for it but admitted he didn’t know what was in it’? It was Dennis E. Williams. As I noted, it cost him in the rankings, and it’ll cost others in the rankings. But I’m not gonna place everybody who voted for HB 165 below Bob Venables just on the basis of that vote. Which is what John Young’s formula would have me do.
Ultimately, El Som, this is your list and your list alone. It’s a fun series that will generate debate – mainly because there will be disagreement!
I want the disagreement. Just want it to be in context.
In fact, I’m trying to place the legislators’ careers in context. For them, for me, and for the readers.
The end-of-the-year list is where this year’s honorees and others will receive (what I perceive to be) their just desserts for 2013.
And it is just as silly to say that the people speaking for this bill or education issues more broadly are asking for these bills or issues to be the sole determination of the rankings. No one here has done that.
Uh, except for John Young:
“My rankings: Voters against HB 165 and SB 51, get ranked in a tie for # 1, all those in favor of those two bills are tied at #62.”
Which is what I responded to.