A Republican for the 9th? [Updated with my call with Speaker Schwartzkopf, and responses from Andye Daley]
First, some background.
State Representative Rebecca Walker (D) has represented this district for four years, first elected in 2010. She has risen quickly in the committee structure of the House, chairing the House Judiciary Committee (and thus bottling up some more progressive legislation like death penalty repeal) in the last term. She has a reputation for being overly cautious politically (like not going for her rematch against the forever vulnerable former Republican Majority Leader Dick Cathcart in 2010, to whom she lost in 2008, until Cathcart dropped out) and not being an overly good campaigner. This year, while some of us expected her to retire and not run, she surprised us and refiled to run. And then, two days after the filing deadline, she announced she was withdrawing and not running for reelection. The reason she did this was to not allow the voters in her district any control or any voice over who their nominee was going to be. For you see, after the primary filing deadline passed on July 8, the RD Committee for the district gets to decide who the nominee is, usually under severe pressure from higherups in the party.
Well, that is what is happening. The candidate being pushed, allegedly by Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, is Jason Horitz. Update: I just spoken with Speaker Schwartzkopf, and he strongly denies being involved in any way with pushing any candidate in this 9th RD, whether it is Andye Daley or Jason Horitz. He doesn’t even think he has ever met or spoken with either one.
Further, since I posted this, we have discovered that the other interested candidate in this race is Andye Daley. Ms. Daley is also interested in being nominated for this race, and she likewise is a former Republican. Here is something she posted on Delaware Liberal back in 2010-2011 after managing Tom Kovach’s campaign:
May I chime in here guys? I am not sure who Republican Dave is…But I know who I am, I was Tom’s Campaign Manager and I could not be further from the Tea Party. I (as is Tom) am a moderate Republican. We had very little support from anyone from the “Tea Party” and Far right wing. A few members of the Kent County GOP came up to help with some lit drops, and a parade, and some calling, but the majority of our campaign was not from that sect of the Delaware GOP. We welcomed help from anyone on our campaign, I’d D’s and R’s . Our objective was to fix a broken and unbalanced County Government, nothing more and nothing less. Moreover, I do not know Evan Q, even if I fell over him. Glen U. had Tom on one radio talk show he was subbing for and I need to check , but I am pretty sure we did not cash the check from Christine. If you have any other questions, I will be happy to answer them.
Ms. Daley reached out to me on Facebook and email after some comments were made about her below, and I asked her to fill out the questions I posited to Mr. Horitz below (and so I highly encourage Mr. Horitz to do the same if he is actually campaigning for the nomination. So, back to the original post…
Here is his twitter profile. He is currently the Treasurer of the 9th RD Committee. His twitter feed reads like he is politics fan, and he has been retweeting stuff from Brenda Mayrack (it seems he is a big supporter of hers), Matt Denn, Beau Biden, and Bethany Hall Long. He’s a Ravens fan, but we can forgive that. I don’t see any of his personal political opinions. He does seem to a happy father and husband, which is great. But I want to know more about him, especially since a Google gives me this:
That third one caught my attention.
Jason J. Hortiz of Middletown has announced his candidacy for the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds office. Jason recently married last July and is currently employed by Bank of America in Wilmington. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wilmington College and will complete his coursework for his Master’s of Science in Management and Public Administration this summer, also from Wilmington College.
Jason, 26, is an active volunteer for the Delaware Republican Party and has worked on local and statewide campaigns for Rep. Dick Cathcart, Sen. Charlie Copeland, Ray Clatworthy, Rep. Mike Castle, Ernie Lopez, Judge Bill Lee, Jim Ursomarso and the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign in 2004.
It would appear that Mr. Horitz ran in 2006 as a Republican. Now, I all for ignoring youthful indiscretions of one’s past, and I can ignore the fact that he was such an avid Republican that he actively campaigned for the REELECTION of George W. Bush. I can accept that after 2006, a year during which the country saw the light and gave the Democrats a landslide victory, that he did too and because a very active Democrat. I can accept that, but I do still hear that he is still ultra-conservative. Now, I am not sure in what way he is ultra-conservative, but that is what I am told. Committee members of the 9th RD need to know what Mr. Horitz’s positions are on the issues that unite us as Democrats. Is is for marriage equality? Is he for reproductive freedom? Does he support banning discrimination against all LGBT persons? Does he believe that a worker’s right to healthcare is more important that his or her employer’s religious beliefs? Does he believe the Iraq War was based on lies and should have never been fought? Does he believe in the social safety net, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Universal Healthcare? Does he believe is raising taxes on the wealthy rather than cutting programs for the poor? Does he believe in regulating Wall Street and the banking industry to prevent the excesses that caused the Great Recession? I think we all need to know that publicly, before he becomes a nominee of the Democratic Party.
Andye Daley’s responses in bold:
Are you for marriage equality? I have always been 100% for Marriage equality!
Reproductive freedom? Being as I have been pro-choice my whole life when I was for a brief time a Republican … I got slammed many a time for being out spoke about my pro Choice Stance. This Has not changed.
Support banning discrimination against all LGBT persons? Being Jewish I know a little something about Stereotyping and Prejudice and Intolerance. I never have and will never stand for discrimination against anyone. I am a Holocaust Educator and anyone who is a Student of History knows what Discrimination can lead to… The Dangers are real and present and must be stopped.
Do you believe that a worker’s right to healthcare is more important that his or her employer’s religious beliefs? Yes unequivocally . Religious Beliefs are very important to some and should not be discounted but as it pertains to assuring our residents have adequate and accessible healthcare …. I vote for that every time.
Do you believe the Iraq War was based on lies and should have never been fought? I believe that War , as a rule, leads to nothing by destruction and pain on all sides. Diplomacy should be our first defense. I was not in favor of entering into Iraq. In Fact I remember March that year… telling my students how horrible this decision was and how long and large a toll this would cost us. Both in money and lives.
Do you believe in the social safety net, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Universal Healthcare? I am a firm believer in taking care of our most needy citizens and the Seniors who have given so much to this country. so Yes!
Do you believe is raising taxes on the wealthy rather than cutting programs for the poor? Although as a rule I would not like to raise taxes on anyone. I do believe if we have the ability to pay a little more to protect those in need … that is what we must to. Morally and Ethically
Do you believe in regulating Wall Street and the banking industry to prevent the excesses that caused the Great Recession? Yes Yes Yes!
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I hear he will have to resign from Bank of America if he wins the election – something supposedly being said by an area DEM State Senator. The elected leadership in the area is pushing for him because of Pete. So, in the end, his loyalty will be to WHAT exactly?
I also wonder how much Cathcart is involved with pushing this candidate considering how cozy the DE City contingent is with Val n’ Pete.
The reasoning is obvious. Peter Schwartzkopf’s election as Speaker was a close affair. And now he is down a vote with Walker’s retirement. He is pushing someone who will be loyal to him, starting first as a vote for his leadership team.
To be honest, I really don’t care about who is Speaker. I will begin to care, however, if we Democrats are forced to swallow yet another Republican just to benefit Pete Schwartzkopf’s continuation as Speaker.
Sounds like another R pretending to be a D until he gets into office–then he’s a total R.
F***ing Disgusting!
It is a joke. I have to agree with greens who say, what is the point of even having a Democratic Party?
The sole purpose of the Democratic party is that if it were not there, there would be nothing stopping the Republican party from running this state.
As for loss of liberal influence, if so, that comes because liberals aren’t making their case. Were it clear to Delaware that we need more liberals, they would be running. I have made this case before. If you have a conservative district, it is better to have a Democratic conservative winning instead of a Republican conservative… For the simple reason, the Democrat conservative does not work against their own party. They compromise. Republicans cannot do that. If a Democrat says he is for a Republican’s idea, Republicans cannot accept that. That Republican is required by his party chairman to then take the opposite position of that Democrat, even though he was originally for it… Never compromise. The only way out of stalemate, is a one party state. (Or, enough independents put in office to hold the balance of power.)
To answer my own question… as to why liberals are not out making the case… I borrowed these from Sen. Warren… This is why we need people unafraid of big business. Right now, only liberals are…
– “We believe that Wall Street needs stronger rules and tougher enforcement, and we’re willing to fight for it.”
– “We believe in science, and that means that we have a responsibility to protect this Earth.”
– “We believe that the Internet shouldn’t be rigged to benefit big corporations, and that means real net neutrality.”
– “We believe that no one should work full-time and still live in poverty, and that means raising the minimum wage.”
– “We believe that fast-food workers deserve a livable wage, and that means that when they take to the picket line, we are proud to fight alongside them.”
– “We believe that students are entitled to get an education without being crushed by debt.”
– “We believe that after a lifetime of work, people are entitled to retire with dignity, and that means protecting Social Security, Medicare, and pensions.”
– “We believe—I can’t believe I have to say this in 2014—we believe in equal pay for equal work.”
– “We believe that equal means equal, and that’s true in marriage, it’s true in the workplace, it’s true in all of America.”
– “We believe that immigration has made this country strong and vibrant, and that means reform.”
– “And we believe that corporations are not people, that women have a right to their bodies. We will overturn Hobby Lobby and we will fight for it. We will fight for it!”
And what conservatives believe in: “We got ours, and we are keeping it. NO money for you, EVER!!! Be grateful your pathetic existence is even alive… … “
I find it concerning that this is an anonymous article. If you are going to write about someone you should sign your name to it.
I find it concerning that Paul Voss is unconcerned about any of the questions asked in this so called anonymous article, a complaint that is better found back in 2003 when blogging first started. Why Paul, do you need to know who I am? So you can attack and threaten me personally for daring to question the Speaker?
This article is very fair to Mr. Hortiz. It did not attack him or his family, either personally or professionally. We just want to know whether he is a Democrat or a Republican and what political beliefs he holds PRIOR to his getting the nomination to represent thousands of people in a legislative body. I am so sorry if that is SO fucking out of line for you, Mr. Paul Voss.
It’s fine to question, but the source of questions is the issue. Why put any stock in an anonymous blogger writing from their mom’s basement?
Again, I am compelled to reply. It’s disappointing that many of you don’t know the district as well as others who have volunteered and worked on campaigns down here. It’s not a liberal district. It’s just not. Thank the lines that were drawn a few years ago. A flaming liberal will not win. What will win is a solid candidate who is willing to represent the constituents. Look, anyone could have primary’d Wallker and ran…but no one did. So the constituents “could have picked the candidate”…but didn’t. Did any of you help a liberal candidate seek election in the 9th? It appears not. Look at who else threw their name into the ring…another converted very recently, republican who ran against Bill Powers and Hall Long as a republican and lost. Who worked on Tom Kovacks campaign against Carney, who is a personal “friend” on Hensley, and whose own husband “liked” Marino’s fb page against Hall Long. That’s the republican. Hortiz has been active working on dem campaigns and on the committee for quite sometime now. I know he was helping dems in 2008 and had helped county to statewide candidates. I saw him at the polls. Read whatever you want, believe whomevers comments you want, but the real issue is the 9th needs a strong candidate. Not a mole. And..all I’ve said is factual. Straight from real people who have volunteered for Dems in the 9th. I’m sure someone will dispute me, but I know I’m right.
Gosh Eby, surely you are not saying Andye Daley is a GOPer mole? OMG! She was a registered DEM before moving to Delaware and probably sought the R when she became interested in getting involved in politics because it was a conservative district.
Kidding aside, the most important item here besides his likely R core values is that Mr. Hortiz will have to quit his job at BoA if he wins this seat. How is that realistic? No one believes that this can work. So why run? I hope the committee thoroughly vets his intentions as well as his core beliefs before casting their votes tomorrow.
A fb comment –
FWIW, when I sought permission from my employer (not BoA but similar) for school board, I was advised ‘no’ with constructive reasoning that had a LOT to do with ‘appearance of’ conflict of interest. I had no qualms with it, because I knew going in that response was a high probability. With a young family, i had to choose and plus, I am happy with my job. There is no way I can imagine BofA would bless this, especially with the increased scrutiny.
Why put any stock in an anonymous blogger writing from their mom’s basement?
Then stop reading here. No point in spending time at a place where you don’t put any stock in the writers. You are wasting your energy trying to out people. The only people concerned about a writer’s identity are those who have nothing else to say.
Paul, I own my own house, and I blog in my den. Now, if you are done with your distracting ad hominem attacks, perhaps can be get back to the issue at hand?
Eby,
I understand that the district is more conservative than say Brandywine Hundred or elsewhere in Delaware. But that does not mean the Democratic Party must always nominate a conservative to represent the district. Rebecca Walker, for all her faults, was not a conservative. She voted for Marriage Equality and against discrimination. She was pro-choice. She is for Social Security and Medicare and Obamacare. She is no flaming liberal, but she was a Democrat.
That is all I am asking for. I want the Democratic Party to nominate a Democrat. I know, I know, how horrible of me. If the fine denizens of the 9th want a knuckle dragging reactionary hateful bigot to represent them in Dover, they are free to vote Republican.
I don’t know anything about Jason Hortiz, but Andrea Daley is no Democrat! She worked very hard for my Republican opponent (Jay Galloway) in 2010. I was told by several of my constituents that she would go on very passionate rants against Democratic candidate and not only me! As I recall her campaign pamphlets would be in stark contrast to most Democratic principles. If she becomes the 9th District candidate, I would give her 24 hours after winning to change parties…
Paul Voss – Anybody involved in politics on the D side of the aisle knows who pretty much everybody is here. The fact that you don’t kind of proves DelDems point, no?
Andye’s big issue in 2010 was Workforce Housing. Was WFH something you weren’t passionate about, Earl? I remember her walking the neighborhoods with Jay where the Council district overlapped the House but she wasn’t focused on you, certainly.
I don’t remember her lit pieces. I was at the Town Hall she organized around values and issues I appreciated and I remember she gave you the mic, Earl, for as long as you wanted.
To say she’s likely to revert to an R is preposterous. Andye is in very close with Dickie Burris and many of the county DEMs are making calls for her and I hear that the race is as tight as it can be.
I hear that Daniello is REALLY stretching for a win for Hortiz through his surrogates. We’ll have to see. Schwartzkopf and I had a chat today and he swears he’s not involved in this 9th district campaign. But then he also says Walker was truly unsure of her ability to work around her new job right up to the last minute. I told him the timing is suspicious but I would give her the benefit of the doubt.
These are going to be very interesting elections in November. I think education is going to play a huge factor. Any candidate better start reading up on what is going on and make a stand and explain why.
One thing is certain. Almost everyone will be disappointed with the eventual outcome. Welcome to DE-troit!
I support Andye Daley in this race. I know her well enough to say she’s definitely on the leftward end of the spectrum. She’d have given death penalty repeal a floor vote.
Nancy, you don’t know what your talking about. I was at the leading edge of fighting Workforce Housing. I had meeting after meeting with almost every New Castle County official trying to stop it. Just for the record, I wasn’t invited to that meeting held by Andye, she told people she didn’t want me there. But I went anyway to represent my constituents. Because you went to one meeting – now you are an expert on WFH!!
Question asked and answered? What I “was talking about” is pretty clearly written and it was in the form of a question, Earl, it was not a statement of your position on WFH.
Where are you getting this idea that I went to one meeting on WFH? I am pretty sure I went to nearly all the meetings on WFH in the span of a decade (starting with Chris Coons’ NCC Comp Plan Udate meetings in 2005) and I wrote about it. A lot. Sorry you aren’t paying attention.
http://delawareway.blogspot.com/search/label/WFH
http://delawareway.blogspot.com/
search/label/SNCCA
BTW where are Jason Hortiz’s answers to the Progressive survey? He won the endorsement of the 9th last night. Can’t he answer a few questions from DE DEM?
And Earl is trumpeting his progressive bona fides on DL while giving full-throated support (http://bit.ly/1wT1U2W) to the re-segregation of Delaware’s public schools and the establishment of a charter slush fund. He’s fully embraced the Republican/ALEC education agenda as PRIME sponsor of an ALEC bill: http://www.prwatch.org/node/12175 scroll down for his ALEC masterpiece, HB 165.