The filing deadline is this Tuesday, July 12 at 12 noon. After Tuesday, parties may file candidates, but individuals cannot file on their own separate from the party. The deadline for withdrawing one’s candidacy and getting one’s filing fee returned is this Friday, July 15 at 4:30 pm. Friday is also the deadline for candidates to switch from one race to another. I’ll likely be out campaigning for the candidate of my choice (Bryan Townsend) at the Tuesday deadline, so please keep us posted on any last minute developments.
1. Colin Bonini Has Filed for Governor, John Carney Has Not.
Of course, Carney will. But the vibe coming out of that campaign is to keep Carney away from any substantive discussions with anybody on anything until after he’s elected. Since he stands for nothing but the status quo, it’s understandable, but incredibly cynical. Where does he stand on education, especially the ongoing stalemate over Wilmington schools, minimum wage, our looming budget deficit, civil forfeiture, anything, for that matter? The fact that we don’t know can only mean that Carney and his team don’t want us to know. Is Carney gonna bring that Concord Coalition shit to Delaware? We deserve to know. I, for one, think we already know. Which is why Carney doesn’t engage in any real policy discussion.
2. Primary Set for Sen. Peterson’s Seat.
A construction trades guy vs. a lobbyist for the University of Delaware. John Walsh vs. Caitlin Olsen. Peterson has endorsed Olsen. And there’s much more to Olsen’s background than just her current UD position. Here is the News-Journal article on the contest. While the R’s may field a candidate, the winner of this primary will almost certainly be the next senator from SD 9.
3. Some Legislative Incumbents Get Challengers. Of Sorts.
D Barbara Vaughan will face State Rep. Steve Smyk (R-20). Lots of civic work, nice lady. Pretty much no chance.
R Timothy Conrad will face State Rep. Ed Osienski (D-24). A long-time shuttle bus driver, currently transportation supervisor at UD. No chance. However, what if Bryan Townsend wins the congressional seat and Osienski (who would be my choice) wins Townsend’s Senate seat? Maybe Conrad would be in a better position. So the run sorta makes sense.
4. Rethugs Get Primary for IC.
Perennial loser Jeff Cragg has filed to challenge perennial hater George Parrish. Perhaps the Party wants somebody, anybody, from north of the canal on the ticket. Which reminds me. Will they even have a candidate for Lt. Governor? Which raises this question. Let’s assume for a moment that Bethany Hall Long wins the Democratic primary for LG. Let’s assume that there are no other filed candidates from other parties for the position. Wouldn’t it make sense for the election for her Senate seat to be held during the November elections rather than hold a special election likely in December when nobody would vote? I don’t know whether it’s even legal, but it would sure make sense to have a representative election with solid voter turnout rather than wasting money on a Special Election.
5. Yet More Candidates Enter Wilmington Council Races.
Richard Dyton (R) for Council At-Large. Emmanuel Magruder (IPOD) for Council At-Large. Yolanda McCoy (D) for 6th Councilmanic District. I won’t even pretend to suggest that I know anything about any of them.
So, let’s track these last two days together, shall we? Whenever there’s an update, please let us know. Me? I’m hoping for some withdrawals and maybe some switches. Other than one glaring missed opportunity for the D’s (I’ll wait ’til after the deadline to properly bury them), the field looks pretty much set unless John Carney decides not to run for governor. If only…
That’s it for now. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?