Day: December 26, 2016

So, we're facing a Special Election for State Senate. The candidates, D Stephanie Hansen and R John Marino, have been chosen by their respective parties.  The election has been necessitated due to incumbent Bethany Hall Long's winning of the Lieutenant Governor spot.  She takes office later in January.  The date for the Special Election has not been set, and it's not clear whether  outgoing Gov. Markell or incoming Gov. Carney will set the date. Barring an unexpected flip, the winner of this seat will determine which Party controls the Senate.  The Republicans are motivated as they can end umpteen years of Democratic control of the State Senate. They will have no problem motivating their voters. The Democrats?  If you are a Democratic voter and aren't necessarily plugged into the party structure, what will impel you to come out to vote?  I know that some of the usual suspects on the blog are minimizing this concern, I think it's real and I think it's a major problem for the special.  Why should D's come out to support the D candidate other than out of some sense of duty? Unless...now hang with me for a minute.