Carper Steps Down – Will Not Seek Reelection in 2016
Shocking news via Politico:
Senator Thomas “Tom” Carper (D-Del.) announced Wednesday morning that he would not seek reelection in 2016.
Carper, 68, is the senior United States Senator from Delaware, serving since 2001. His surprise departure at the end of the term could set off a scramble among his top Delaware politicians to succeed one of the longest-serving elected officials in the state. A towering figure in Delaware politics, Carper served in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 1993 and was the 71st Governor of Delaware from 1993 to 2001. A member of the right leaning Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), Carper’s leaves a legacy of tirelessly using his committee positions to empower banks and financial institutions to exploit banking deregulation throughout the 1980’s and 90’s.
“This was not an easy decision,” Carper said in a statement announcing that he would step down at the end of his term rather than seek re-election in 2016. “While I believe I am well-positioned to provide high quality services to my benefactors for another six-year term, I have concluded that the time has come to pass this lucrative job to the next generation of leaders.”
Capital Hill Republicans and financial sector lobbyists reacted with horror to the news of Carper’s retirement.
But will he in 2018, when his term is up?
In other news:
Markell to present “Order of the First State” honor to Christina Board of Education
Murphy names Mike Matthews new Deputy Secretary of Education
Schwartzkopf resigns; Kowalko chosen Speaker of the House
Wagner announces plan to audit state agencies
April fools?
Mitch, I was going to edit that, but figured WTF. Another April Fool’s day another baleful lament about how much Carper sucks. Who will really notice?
Mitch will notice. That’s who. BTW – any luck trying to talk SC Goper’s into running as Democrats? Unlike Pete, I realize you are making that offer tongue in cheek. It didn’t play that way in the press, but nuance isn’t their strong suit.
Way to go, Celia.
http://delawaregrapevine.com/4-15aprilfool.asp
She wraps it up with a “quote” from Beau that explains how he’s been treating us all for the last year and a half.
Is this a joke? I already told a bunch of people before I read the comments.
I already told a bunch of people before I read the comments.
…or checked the calendar.
Can’t believe I fell for an April Fool joke! Probably because I was so glad to read it..
Jason-not ignoring you, just been running around looking for my mind all day.
Yes-my suggestion that two Republican elected officials switch parties was fully tongue in—-cheek. However, I am in conversation with a couple of “moderate” Republicans who are interested. Of course, if they did convert, run and win, they would then me subject to attacks from my friends at DL.
As to the Carper jabs, reading them is more appropriate for Ground Hog Day.
The key to a good April Fools gag is to do it early in the morning before anyone remembers what day it is. You had me too for about thirty seconds, before I was fully awake.
I guess not everyone realized it was a joke. I had to dodge bankers jumping out of windows on my way to work.
“I have concluded that the time has come to pass this lucrative job to the next generation of leaders.” Oh Really….Another Moderate Republican like Markell!
This was my favorite part: ” “While I believe I am well-positioned to provide high quality services to my benefactors for another six-year term…”
It is funny because it is true.
For you young or Delaware newbies, the Carperbagger was also state treasurer before he was elected to the House in what could be called Playboygate. The incumbent Tom Evans was caught in a scandal tryst with a former Playboy Bunny-turned lobbyist, and changed his position on legislation she was lobbying. One of the bigger mudfight elections in Delaware that I can recall.
Ha! L’affair d’Paula Parkinson.
She had a great quote from the Playboy and I just looked it up.
“Washington is basically a very horny city. For one thing, there are more women here than men. And men can be jerks with women and get away with it, because men are so scarce around here.” –Paula Parkinson, 1980
From what I recall, Evans was just a pimp. Dan Quayle was one of the johns.
Must have a job with Goldman Sax