Coons’ fundraising email tries to cover too many bases

Coons’ fundraising email tries to cover too many bases

Senator Coons needs money to fight the horrible Tea Party, but also bipartisanship is AWESOME!!! (...or something, it made sense to the fundraising consultant.) Anyway, in addition to the philosophically hazy email, Coons is sitting on $2.9 million and has no GOP opponent, so I'll probably sit this round out. (Click through to read the muddled email)
Delaware Political Weekly: Feb. 22-28, 2014

Delaware Political Weekly: Feb. 22-28, 2014

Jonathan Gallo has filed to face Bobby Outten in the 30th RD. Gallo changed his registration from R to D to run and, if you check out his site  right now, you will not find the word Democrat, or the donkey, anywhere on the site. I mean, anywhere. He's got the classic bio, and he's a "man of dedication, integrity, and commitment, who early in his life felt a call to serve his community." Which means, he's a 'man of dedication, integrity, and commitment' who is hiding his party affiliation. He also rides a tractor standing up (picture). J. Kevin Robbins of Harrington, is challenging Harold Peterman in the conservative 33rd RD. Robbins is a long-time farmer and has the type of profile that could give him a shot in this district.  Here is his site.   Not only does he have the donkey there, he actually calls the Party the Democratic Party. Guess which one I prefer.
What? A Private School Bus Stipend?

What? A Private School Bus Stipend?

Ok, I'm ready for it. A transplant from Texas dares to question the Delaware practice of providing private school parents who apply for a stipend to transport their children to a non-public school? Yes. Admittedly I was shocked to learn that this is a pretty longstanding practice here and in a number of other states. Apparently also there is funding of school nurses in private schools.
The 62 Project: #’s 21 and 41

The 62 Project: #’s 21 and 41

When I started the 62 Project, I had Pete Schwartzkopf ranked 13th on my initial list. That was largely because I thought that he, as House Majority Leader, effectively pushed through key progressive bills, including civil unions. He also was able to get the at-the-time controversial 'revenue enhancement' package through a fractured House. This helped balance the budget during the early Markell years. He wasn't afraid to use legislative power to get things done. While I didn't always admire his tactics, I respected the results. The role of House Majority Leader requires tough tactics in tough times. However, as Speaker of the House, Schwartzkopf has governed as if he were still Majority Leader. Aided and abetted by an equally-enthusiastic, though far less skilled, arm-breaker, Valerie Longhurst. Pete not only handpicked Longhurst to be his successor, he insisted that they both be elected as a team or he would not serve as Speaker. Uh, I wonder if he'd be willing, or in any position, to make the same demand today. Put simply, Pete Schwartzkopf is in danger of being a one-term Speaker, and not because the D's are in any way facing the loss of the House chamber.

Federal Court Says Texas’ Gay Marriage Ban Is Unconsitutional

Oh yes, I just wanted to write that headline! Remember that a court striking down Texas' anti-sodomy laws brought us Lawrence V Texas too -- invalidating the remaining anti-sodomy laws on several states' books. From TPM:
{Judge Orlando} Garcia, a Bill Clinton appointee, wrote in his decision that Texas' constitutional ban on same-sex marriage violates equal protection rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. “Texas’ current marriage laws deny homosexual couples the right to marry, and in doing so, demean their dignity for no legitimate reason," he wrote. "Accordingly, the Court finds these laws are unconstitutional and hereby grants a preliminary injunction enjoining Defendants from enforcing Texas’ bans on same-sex marriage.”
Wednesday Open Thread [2.26.14]

Wednesday Open Thread [2.26.14]

Delaware is not sharing its salt with Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Salt-strapped New Jersey had asked Delaware to share its salt earlier this week, and Delaware said it has enough to last a few more storms, but isn't willing to share. When asked again if they'd share with neighboring states, {DelDOT Jim] Westhoff told WDEL, "No way."
LOL. A story about a responsible squirrel and his acorns comes to mind.