1. Pete ‘n Val On the Warpath. Word on the street is that John Viola is about to lose his Majority Whip post. As well he should. While Andria Viola Bennett might have daddy issues, Pete ‘n Val suffered from daddy/daughter issues. The tragicomedy of Bennett going off the reservation and killing tax increases led to draconian budget cuts. $30 mill in education cuts alone. The mathematical formula for the out-of-tune Violas is 2 times zero equals zero. Both should also have serious primary challenges. DelDem over at Blue Delaware suggests that Melanie George Smith could be deposed as JFC Chair. This is almost certainly her last term as she and her husband have purchased a house outside of her district.
2. Rep. J. J. Johnson To Retire. He’s one of our very best. A rarity for a public official, someone comfortable in his own skin. Has done effective work on criminal justice reform, including the rights of offenders and ex-offenders. Word is that there is a very solid D candidate who will run for the RD 16 seat. About as solid a D seat as you can get. Centered on Route 9 as you head out of Wilmington. Registration: 10,867 D; 1674 R; 2837 I. Frankly, this is a district that reflects overcompensation on the part of the House in ensuring minority representation.
3. Rep. Deborah Hudson To Draw D Challenger. Word is that it’s a teacher. A good time for a challenge. Hudson is nearing the end of her run, she has not had a challenger in forever. It could be a D year. And the numbers in RD 12 have moved inexorably toward the D column, although it still has an R edge. Registration: 7038 D; 7502 R; 5362 I. View it the way that RD’s 7 and 10 were viewed about a decade ago. It might take two runs to win it, but it’s time it was put in play.
4. Gerald Brady Is Either Not Running, Or Has a Political Death Wish. Squiring his inamorata around town while rubbing his Irish-Catholic constituents’ noses in his old-age crisis. I don’t see how he can win any more. He’s always been a phony, he just kept it from the public longer than I thought he could. The question is: Will a true progressive run for the seat? Hey, it’s Trolley Square, there should be a surplus of possibilities. Only name I’ve heard so far is Tracy Schofield, who served briefly on Wilmington City Council when Steve Martelli resigned to take a federal job. Not sure she has any progressive cred whatsoever.
What are you all hearing out there?