Day: June 17, 2016

aren Peterson Retires.  Who Will Succeed Her? You can't replace her.  She really has been Delaware's Best Legislator for perhaps as long as she's been a legislator.  And let's talk about the term 'legislator'.  To me, she was such an effective legislator because she took on the big issues, and was successful in enacting some of the most progressive legislation in recent memory.  No one has meant more to equal rights for all Delawareans than Karen.  She is truly an historic figure, and deserves to be recognized as such.  Her combination of idealism and legislative smarts simply can't be replaced. Someone, however, will succeed her.  If I had to bet, I'd bet on Tim Sheldon.  Sheldon, you may recall was Tom Sharp's hand-picked choice to replace Sharp, who basically was living at the beach when he left office. You may recall that Peterson had her car tires slashed during that campaign.  It's not fair to place the blame on Sheldon.  But it's pretty clear that the construction trade goons who backed him had no problem employing such intimidating tactics. Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if he had pretty much a clear field going into the general election.  The only other name that I've heard who might actually run is Val McCartan, who is Patti Blevins' Chief Staffer.  I like Val, but I don't see her as a glad-handler who is going to go door-to-door in a tough campaign.  She is a highly professional and skilled Senate staffer, but I don't think she has the candidate gene. I mean that as a compliment.