Delaware Political Weekly: March 8-14, 2014

1. Key Progressive Legislator Announces Retirement.

State Rep. Darryl Scott (D-31st RD) announced that he would, at least temporarily, retire from politics. The Dover representative has successfully sponsored legislation prohibiting talking on cellphones while driving; the creation of the Inspire Scholarship Program; the elimination of a particularly sneaky health insurance trick; and legislation protecting students’ privacy by prohibiting academic institutions from prying into their social media networks.

He is perhaps the House’s strongest advocate for repeal of the death penalty, and he continues to try to petition the bill out of committee.

He has designated his preferred successor. He’s Sean Lynn, a Dover City Councilman.    Looks like he’d be a worthy successor to Scott, and the district is solidly blue. Of course, we don’t know if there will be any primary challengers, and we never know how someone will ultimately perform once in office.

I, for one, can only hope that Rep. Scott is not done with public service. He’s among the best progressives in the Delaware General Assembly.

2. Primary in 3rd Senatorial District?

I think so. Whether or not Sen. Bob Marshall is part of that primary remains to be seen. City Councilwoman Sherry Dorsey Walker has announced that she will run for the 3rd Senatorial seat currently held by Marshall. She filed yesterday, so she’s in. She has an interesting and eclectic background.  If Marshall were to retire, which is by no means certain, he sure would have had a great final term–minimum wage, preventing the takeover of the Port of Wilmington, and supporting both gay marriage and transgender rights. He is one of my favorite legislators, and is one of the most underrated in Dover. Should Marshall not run, I doubt that Dorsey Walker would have the field to herself. I’m pretty sure that both Kevin Kelley and Helene Keeley reside in the 3rd Senatorial, so there could well be a fascinating primary.  Here’s a taste of Councilwoman Dorsey Walker for those looking to get to know her:

http://wilmingtonde.swagit.com/play/06112013-873

3. Williams-Matthews II.

Both Sean Matthews and Dennis E. Williams have filed to run in the 10th RD, and they will face off in the September primary. I’m not in love with either, but then, I’m sure the feeling is mutual. However, nothing bugs me more than sloppy thinking and false choices. On his otherwise bare-bones web page, Sean Matthews writes the following:

“I am deeply concerned about the incumbent’s relentless push for casino expansion. Instead of casino expansion, my legislative priority will be to add the voices of students and teachers to the conversations around school reform.”

Uh, Sean, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. People can walk and chew gum at the same time. In fact, it’s a legislative necessity. And, although certainly I don’t agree with Williams’ support for HB 165, that warm and fuzzy phrase I highlighted means nothing. It’s not as if Williams spends virtually all his legislative time on the casino issue. I’d like to know the real legitimate differences that Matthews has with Williams. If they are policy-driven, I want to know.  Otherwise, I, for one, have a hard time getting worked up about this race.

The winner of this race is likely to face two-time loser Robert Rhodunda, who is running, but hasn’t yet filed.

4. Debbie Hudson Gets a D Challenger.

Jeffry Porter of Tavistock has filed to run against longtime R stalwart Hudson in the 12th RD. He has an interesting background, 23 years in the Navy, 16 years as a nuclear engineer (yes, he has a degree; no he’s never met Montgomery Burns;), and, most recently, as a lawyer. His issues page leaves me somewhat ambivalent, lots of poll-tested language there. I’d like to see that fleshed out, but he’s at least got me listening. Porter has a tough assignment in the 12th RD. Current registration is 6631 D’s; 7892 R’s; and 5280 I’s. Having said that, Hudson hasn’t really run a race for a long time; her new district(PDF)  includes quite a bit of Brandywine Hundred that is new to her (most of that area formerly in Greg Lavelle’s district); and she’s not getting any younger, basically my age. So, while Porter’s a longshot, it’s refreshing to have a competitive challenger to the person who has spent her entire political career protecting the wealth of Delaware’s wealthiest and looking down her nose at everybody else.

5. Filings.

Sen. Bethany Hall Long (D-10th SD); Rep. Melanie George Smith (D-5th RD); Rep. Debra Heffernan (D-6th RD); Rep. Bryon Short (D-7th RD); Rep. J. J. Johnson (D-16th RD); Rep. Paul Baumbach (D-23rd RD); NCC Sheriff Trinidad Navarro (D); and Bradley Connor, running for the 5th Sussex councilmanic district.  He is the Mayor of Dagsboro, and is running for Vance Phillips’ seat. In fact, here’s a news article about his candidacy.   I wish every newspaper took its role of informing the public as seriously as the Cape Gazette does. Best fair and impartial political coverage I’ve seen in Delaware.