Welcome to Plan B. The alternate reality that we had to talk about and plan for should Beau Biden not run for Governor, or not be able to run. But it is more of an alternate reality than who will fill the Governor’s seat come 2017. We might also be entering the post-Biden era of Delaware politics, which I think partly explains the large outpouring of love and affection for the Biden family, for Joe, and for Beau, over this past week. Because Delawareans thought that, maybe, this will be their last chance.
Which is why I want to talk about a modified Plan A for a second before we move on to Plan B. I’m sorry, but I love Joe Biden. He is my favorite office holder, favorite politician, and at this point, my favorite human being, my favorite example of what a father and a man should be. And I am being selfish here, but I don’t want his last 18 months in office as Vice President to be the end. Plus, not to be cynical here, but the love for the Biden family in this state is a political asset and brand you don’t just walk away from. So why doesn’t Vice President Biden run for Governor?
Think about it. It is not without precedent. President John Quincy Adams was elected as a Congressman after his Presidency and served in Congress for an additional 17 years. He also attempted to become Governor of Massachusetts in 1833, but he lost. President Andrew Johnson served in the U.S. Senate following his Presidency. President William Howard Taft was appointed to be Chief Justice of the United States.
Then again, the reasons on the “NO way, are you out of your god-damned mind?” list far outnumber the pro list. The Vice President probably views the office of Governor as a step down, a demotion. After decades being concerned with national and international affairs, would be really be interested in the small minutiae of running a state government? And after this devastating loss of his son, does he really want to continue in politics? Maybe he feels he has given enough of his life to us. Maybe is ready for the porch and retirement. Maybe he is ready for that Elder Statesman role. Maybe it is time for the Biden Era to end (or at least pass on to Hunter and Ashley if they ever want to seek public office).
I just don’t know. A man who stands for 15 hours to greet thousands of total strangers is a man that loves reaching out and loves the community.
Moving onto Plan B, the death of Beau Biden makes the political scene look like an Etch-A-Sketch. And these are the potential candidates for the Big Three statewide offices up in 2016.
Current Congressman and former Lt. Governor John Carney, Current and Former New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon, and State Senator Karen Peterson. Carney and Gordon have both expressed interest in running if Beau Biden did not. Karen has not expressed any interest that I am aware of, I just think she should run.
New Castle County Council President Chris Bullock, State Senator Bryan Townsend, State Representative Bryon Short, and Former DNREC Secretary Colin O’Mara. Bullock has said he is running for something. Townsend is strongly rumored to be running, but I can easily see him stay in the State Senate. It would be a no-lose situation for him if he did run since his Senate seat is not up until 2018. Rep. Short initially was thought to be running for Insurance Commissioner against incumbent Karen Weldin Stewart, but it seems the bloom is off that rose and now it is rumored that he may run for one of the two offices (Congress or Lt. Gov.) And the way Colin O’Mara is making appearances downstate, he must be running for something.
This one is a free for all. Bullock, Townsend, O’Mara and Short could all also run for Lt. Governor instead of Congress. Add to that mix our already announced candidates of Kent County Levy Court Commissioner Brad Eaby and former Sussex County Register of Wills Greg Fuller. I threw in Senator Bethaney Hall Long because I keep hearing she has aspirations for higher office. And then we also have House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Kathy McGuiness. I have a very hard time believe that Schwartzkopf will give up the power of the Speakership for the office of Lt. Governor, but I keep hearing it.