1. The Mulrooney Retirement. On virtually every issue, Rep. Mike Mulrooney has been a traditional Democrat, and not a Chamber lackey. He supports workers, families, equal rights for all, and has voted as such. He’s a salt-of-the-earth guy who took his job seriously while not taking himself too seriously. His legislative priorities generally centered around the rights of workers and the rights of unions to defend those workers. From that standpoint, he will be missed. Unfortunately, he is an NRA member, makes no bones about it, and simply opposes virtually every gun control measure. Even voted against the bump-stocks measure yesterday. Melissa Minor-Brown clearly would make a difference with gun control measures. Her priorities as outlined on her website are admirable. She has the potential to be a wonderful addition to the General Assembly. But Mulrooney was, for the most part, a real Democrat with a major blind spot with his unwavering NRA support. He was not a drone, say, like John Viola. By and large, he will be missed.
2. Townsend Files For Reelection. He is one of Delaware’s best legislators. I was concerned that he might decide to leave the Senate, especially in light of what the absence of Karen Peterson and Patti Blevins has meant for the consideration of progressive legislation. Help may be on the way, though. As much as I like Bob Marshall, Tizzy Lockman represents the potential for vibrant new leadership. Trey Paradee is likely at least a marginal upgrade over Brian Bushweller, especially on issues like minimum wage. And, should Laura Sturgeon take out Greg Lavelle, we’re talking a sea change. The Senate D’s opted for the over-the-hill-gang plus Dover’s most blatant self-dealer (Nicole Poore) as their leadership choices. That has to change. I think it will with Lockman and Sturgeon in the Senate.
3. The Emergence Of Kathleen Davies. Yes, she has a long way to go. But now that we know, thanks to Kevin Ohlandt, that her absence from the Auditor’s office was just a blatant attempt by Tom Wagner to stop her from investigating charter school financial abuses, she’s my newest hero(ine). She goes from ‘no chance’ to ‘she’s got a shot’. She’s even getting some endorsements. That’s real progress.
4. R Files In RD 7. Eric Braunstein, a realtor with Keller-Williams. He lives in Arden. Right down the street, in fact, from Ray Seigfried, who is one of the D candidates in a three-way primary. While I’ve met him, I’m more familiar with his significant other, Lisa Wolfe. Wolfe did superb work on ensuring the safety of nursing home residents during her time with AARP. Bryon Short is retiring from this increasingly-safe D district. Current registration figures: 8398 D; 4419 R; 4213 I. Along with Seigfried, Joe Daigle and Larry Lambert have filed to seek the D nomination.
5. Dee Durham Files To Challenge Bob Weiner For NCC Council Seat. She’s a superior candidate with a tremendous resume. She previously ran in a primary for the 4th SD seat, but lost to eventual winner Michael Katz. To me, the question is: Are people sick of perpetual gloryhound Bob Weiner, or not? I’ve been sick of him for 25 years. But I know him better than most.
6. Filings. Rep. PAL Longhurst (D-PAL & RD 15); Scott Dailey (R-Sussex County Recorder of Deeds).
That’s it for this week. What’d I miss and whaddayathink?