1. Dave McBride Is Toast. I decided to go back and see when he last had any sort of credible opponent, or, for that matter, any opponent. The year was 1986, and his opponent was one Drew Angeline, who had the distinction of having served as Rita Justice’s chauffeur when she was New Castle County Exec. Meaning, he has not run in a competitive race for 34 years.
He did, however once run in a three-way primary for Lt. Governor in 1984. In what, to me at least, was a sad moment, his father (I’m not making this up) held a press conference to announce that he would not support his son. S.B. Woo won that primary, defeating both Dave and Sen. Nancy Cook.
McBride has never been politically astute, and he now finds himself completely unprepared to run in a district that looks nothing like that district of 34 years ago. If his opponent, Marie Pinkney, is even half as impressive as she appears to be, I seriously doubt that he will follow through with his candidacy. Primarily because at age 77, he would have to try to reintroduce himself to the voters in SD 13. Lewes likely looks more appealing by the day. I do hope to see more from Pinkney soon, though…
2. Amazing Hauls For Two State Senate Candidates. When the financial reports are made available to the public on Monday, Kyle Evans Gay, who is challenging Cathy Cloutier in SD 5, will reveal over $45K in financial contributions. That’s an incredible total for this early in a state legislative race, and will provide no solace to Cathy Cloutier, regardless of what she’s raised. That incredible total is almost chump change though when contrasted with the, wait for it, $172 K or so that Sarah McBride will report.
Let’s talk about this. Clearly, that’s way more money than she will need for what appears to be a coronation in SD 1, currently held by the retiring Harris McDowell. To me, it says two things: 1. Having proven herself able to raise gobs of money, some of it nationally, for a state senate race, McBride has the capability to look at a statewide or national race sooner than later. She’d also scare off lots of prospective opponents with that kind of demonstrated fundraising prowess. 2. Should she choose to use it, and I’m sure that she will, I just don’t know where, she can help elect Democrats up and down the state and perhaps become a power broker in the State Senate immediately upon arrival. I don’t know, for example, whether she’ll cut a $600 check to Marie Pinkney, a $600 check to Dave (no relation) McBride, checks to both, or checks to neither. But I hope I’ve made my point. I have every reason to expect her to make wise use of those funds, but you never know. She could be a progressive rainmaker. Here’s hoping.
3. Has James Spadola Finally Found A Race He Can Win? Quite possibly. He has filed to run for an At-Large Wilmington City Council seat. Since one R has to be elected, and since the incumbent, Ciro Adams, has some ‘issues’ facing him, I’d say that he’s probably the favorite in that race.
4. That Wilmington Council Primary Looks Interesting–And Perhaps Alarming. We had previously written about the race in Council District 1 between Coby Owens and Linda Gray. It’s now a three-way, as Albert Mills, who is Nnamdi Chukwuocha’s brother, and who was the initial proposed successor to Nnamdi on City Council, has filed. My concern is based on the fear that someone from the Potter family will smell an opportunity and jump in. If that happens, I hope that cooler heads will prevail, and that a Potter doesn’t end up back on the dole, but there are already some hard feelings here.
5. Three-Way Primary In Ennis’ District? Word on the street is that it’s likely. Can’t break a confidence, but the third would-be candidate could well pose a solid challenge to Ennis as they already have had some successful elective experience. As you know, a pro-cannibis activist has also said that she’s running, although she appears to be struggling to gain traction.
6. Filing(s). State Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha (D-1st RD). Plus the previously-mentioned James Spadola and Albert Mills.
That’s it for this week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?