Not that it was much of a secret, since she attended the Jamboree in Sussex County (it is pretty rare for upstate politicians to do that unless you are running for something) and it has been rumored that she would run for some time. But now there is official paperwork. The News Journal says this will shake up the Lt. Governor race. I say it ends it.
But DD, there are now six candidates!?! How can you say it is over? Well, those candidates are Brad Eaby, Greg Fuller, Bethany Hall-Long, Kathy McGuiness, Ciro Poppiti III, Sherry Dorsey Walker. I do not mean to be unkind, but let’s be honest here. Eaby is an unknown Kent County Levy Court Commissioner (like a County Council member). Dorsey Walker couldn’t beat Bob Marshall in a Senate primary in Wilmington. Greg Fuller was the Sussex County Register of Wills for two years (2008-10). Ciro Popitti III (drop the three, you are not royalty) is the current New Castle County Register of Wills since 2010. Kathy McGuinness is a Rehoboth Beach Commissioner and former (current?) fundraiser/supporter of Senator Ernie Lopez (R).
Yeah, until Bethany came a long, I felt the field, with all due respect, lacked gravitas. Sure, the LG position is nothing constitutionally. You are required to have a pulse and to be preside over the Senate. That’s it. Unless you have a working relationship with the Governor who delegates to you some issues/projects, you are doing nothing but that. Well, yes, he or she gets a seat on the Board of Pardons. But that’s it.
However, I view the position as a running mate to the Governor, and as a potential future Governor. Much like we view Vice President as a potential launching pad for President. I guarantee you many of the above mentioned names view the position as a launching pad, if not for Governor, for a more prominent state wide office.
Perhaps during the campaign one of the five candidates I mentioned will outshine Bethany Hall Long and impress me. Or perhaps Hall Long will not impress me, and I will back to picking among the six (I was leaning towards Fuller or Eaby.)