1. Carney Files, Faces Progressive Challenge!
US Rep. John Carney (‘D’-DE), armed with a fat corporate bankroll and a headful of ideas that are driving me insane, has filed for reelection. The headful of ideas, of course, comes from Pete Peterson, billionaire and austerity guru, not from, say, real Democrats. DL founder Jason Scott has been publicly considering a challenge to Carney, and appears poised to mount a ‘limited scope’ run against Carney:
Am I sure this limited scope candidacy is worth the effort and do I realize that I’m opening a can of worms? I’ve discussed that in this thread. Ultimately, who knows how much, if any impact this will have. I realize that this might be a huge mistake, but I feel like I have to try something to break through the deficit mania and “Cut and Grow” economic idiocy that Carney has adopted.
Not only do I support Jason, but I hope that ‘limited scope’ candidacy takes root and becomes less limited as more and more D’s realize that Carney does not represent the principles of the Democratic Party. He has been an abject disappointment to those of us who like him personally. He has become haughty and dismissive of those who push for progress. Time to dismiss him. Besides, he has a perfect job awaiting him: Secretary of State under the next Governor. Those corporate escape artists are who he represents now. Jason For Congress!
2. Chip Flowers Creates Yet Another Issue For Himself
So, let’s see if I’ve got this straight. In order to ‘save the state money’, Delaware’s Most Ethical State Employee has cut deals with seven banks, all of whom manage state $$’s, to pay for his travel expenses and those of his staff. $5K per bank, times 7. $35,000 in travel expenses. Which is a lot of travel expenses. I would call this extortion were Flowers not so ethical. He, of course, is once again changing the subject. This issue isn’t/wasn’t that he traveled, it is/was that he was unable to account for how much he spent and who paid for it. If a treasurer can’t account for his own expenses, how can he account for the state’s finances?
3. I’m Not Loving Sean Barney’s Campaign
I got an e-blast from him yesterday. He’s been endorsed by a buncha lawyers. I like some of those lawyers. I don’t give two bleeps that they’ve endorsed him. He used some of the same boilerplate that I can’t stand when it comes to our Corporate Bar:
Our legal community in Delaware inspires trust and confidence the world over because of its reputation for upholding the highest standards of professional responsibility. Moreover, Delaware’s bar is exceptional in the manner in which it pairs the highest expectations of competence with the highest expectations of collegiality.
Computer-generated boilerplate.
I have people telling me on the QT that Sean Barney is really one of us. As in progressive. But he is running a risk-averse campaign where all we learn about him is about his military service, his high school schools initiative, and the fact that he’s been endorsed by a lot of the usual suspects. Haven’t even heard a dog-whistle from him to create any enthusiasm. I want to see Chip Flowers gone. But I don’t want another Carneyesque figure on the rise. And I’m not trusting anybody any more when it comes to wink-wink nudge-nudge. I’m not looking for a fire-breathing populist here, just someone with a pulse and a conscience. I mean, it’s not as if supporting progressive principles is gonna cost him votes in the primary.
2. Lotsa Filings
Sen. Greg Lavelle (R-4th SD); Rep. Becky Walker (D-9th RD); NCC Councilman Bob Weiner (R-3rd CD); and Kent County Levy Court Commissioner Glen Howell (R-6th District).
3. R Primary in Sussex Council District.
Incumbent George Cole, who had reportedly been undecided on whether to run again, has filed for reelection for his 4th Councilmanic District. He faces R William Carroll in the September primary. The winner squares off against D Shirley Price in November.
That’s all I got. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?