Sen. Karen Peterson is Retiring
I just got word from a source that State Senator Karen Peterson has announced her retirement on the floor of the Senate. This is devastating news for progressives in this state.
From the News Journal:
Peterson, the state’s first openly gay state lawmaker, was a leading champion of the same-sex marriage law that passed in 2013. She announced her decision not to run again after noting her wife, Vikki Bandy, was in the Senate chamber.
“I wanted her to be with me as I announce my retirement. I will not be running for re-election this year,” Peterson said as several colleagues gasped in surprise. “You just know in your heart when it’s time. And it’s true. For me, it’s time.”
From Delaware Public Media:
Audible gasps filled the Senate chamber as Sen. Karen Peterson made her retirement known shortly after lawmakers gaveled into session.
Peterson was first elected to her Stanton-area seat in 2002 after having previously served as New Castle County Council President from 1981-1989.
She first worked at Leg Hall in 1969 as an attaché and made several stops there while working at the state Department of Labor.
Clearly, from the reaction, and from my sources, this announcement was unexpected. I wonder if Peterson tabling Senate Bill 190, which is the first leg of an amendment to the Delaware Constitution to provide for equal protection under the law to all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion, creed, color, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, had anything to do with it.
The filing deadline is July 12. There are no state representatives residing in her district. Literally none.
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Five Representative Districts are in Peterson’s district. Their representatives are Mike Mulrooney (D), Dave Bentz (D), Kim Williams (D), Mike Ramone (R), and Ed Osienski (D).
If I had to guess, I’d say we might be looking at a Kim Williams v. Mike Ramone race.
Nevermind. Looks like Ramone is in Sokola’s district and Williams is in Blevins’s district.
And Bentz is in McBride’s, Osienski is in Townsend’s. Isn’t Mulrooney in Poore’s?
I am hearing that too. So scratch all of that. No state Reps live in her district! Talk about effective gerrymandering, assuring no challenger. So it is a wide open race.
I am hearing that John Kowalko own some property in Peterson’s district, but his residence is in Bethany Hall Long’s. I wonder if John is thinking of moving up if BHL is elected Lt. Governor.
I support the idea of Sen. Kim Williams! I need to do some digging and see how much percentage each of the above reps are in Sen. Peterson’s district.
Ahhhh guess you’re right. I thought Kim had been in Karen’s district, too.
FYI…there are no Reps who live in the 9th Senate district and if any of you think it has the ring of gerrymandering, you are flat out full of crap. The last redistricting was done under a much different leadership that would’ve been happier to draw Karen out of her own district. The simple fact that a wannabe Senator owns property in the district is also bogus. There is a one year residency requirement. Plain and simple. The seat is open. Only one person currently holding elected office and residing in the district is the councilman for the district.
So she announces her retirement 3 weeks before the filing deadline. Not the worst move, but definately not ideal. An R could steal
I own a property, my former residence, in Karen’s district but have no intention of moving back. My wife and I love our current home (and she would kill me anyway). I currently reside in Senator Sokola’s senatorial district and have no aspirations to his seat.
John Kowalko
Gov. Markell called it bittersweet, but the only thing sweet about it is that Karen and Vikki will hopefully enjoy many more years together unencumbered of legislative responsibilities.
We have lost Delaware’s Best Legislator and, if Bryan Townsend gets elected to Congress, perhaps our TWO best legislators.
LOL, Rep. Kowalko. I was trying to entice you into changing addresses and moving to the other chamber.
Dixon, at least it is not after the deadline like Becky Walker.
Vikki… relax. I was joking about the gerrymandering and even if I was serious, yes, I know Karen would have been a target of the leadership rather than a protectee. Many best wishes to you and Karen in your retirement. Enjoy Disney!
the seat has to be pretty safe. I mean the registration advantage has to skew Dem.
Well, yes. But do we really want someone like Tim Sheldon or Bill Dunn replacing Karen in Dover? I don’t.
Bill Dunn doesn’t live in the district
What is this? Guess the probable successor by process of elimination? that could take months. Who is the probable next Senator? Just tell us already. I’m sure the people who know these things already know.
I spoke to several people that work in Leg Hall… I don’t think any of them knew this was coming. And I didn’t get the impression that any of them knew what was coming next.
Now, that’s how you know you aren’t a person who knows.
Timmy Sheldon it is!
There’s also talk of Val McCartan, Patti Blevins’ chief aide. And former State Rep. Mike Barbieri lives in the district.
I live in Senator Peterson’s district and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have as my Senator than her. For that matter I think she’d make a great Senator in the US Congress. Nevertheless, I’m very happy for her retirement: her chance to relax and enjoy herself and to not have to call back the many constituents who called her, which she faithfully did.
I can guarantee you Mike Barbieri will not be running.
Truth be told, no idea who might file. That could be a good thing. Fresh blood. God knows Dover could use some of that. Personally, I would like to see a thoughtful, energetic person who puts the constituency first and foremost and who never makes decisions as if their next election depends on it.
Agreed….Barbieri will not be running after he secured the fat state paycheck , what 140K or more?, and also the scandal with his private business with the state.
Oh please Chris, he is doing one of the toughest jobs in state government (for which he is certainly qualified) and he is doing it well. Under his watch, rehab and detox beds have more than doubled and “sober housing” has been contracted throughout the state. His private business did not have a scandal, one of his former employees did. So, your hatred/jealousy only makes you look petty.
I agree with your post 100%, Dana, as another resident of the district. Also agree with you Vikki. Hope to see that type of person run. Karen will be sorely missed.