Delaware’s Most (Only?) Intriguing Races Of 2020: Part One

Fewer than usual, thanks to the implosion of the Rethuglican Party in Delaware.  Not even Chris Kenny’s cash infusions can save most of them, indeed, may not save any of them.  Even the least effective Democratic legislative challenger has a chance to win, just by the overwhelming D turnout advantage.  But that’s for later.  Let’s get started:

SD 13: Marie Pinkney vs. Alexander Homich

RD 7: Larry Lambert vs. James Haubrich

RD 8: Rae Moore vs. Daniel Zitofsky

RD 26: Madinah Wilson-Anton vs. Timothy Conrad

RD 27: Eric Morrison vs. Tripp Keister

I doubt that any of these races will be competitive.  However, each time one of these candidates chalks up a victory on November 3, it represents a significant progressive upgrade in the General Assembly. Something we can all look forward to.

SD 1: Sarah McBride vs. Steven Washington

If anything, the impact of someone with the well-earned national reputation of Sarah winning a seat in the General Assembly has been understated.  She immediately becomes a power in Dover.  She has used her fundraising prowess to help Democratic red-to-blue efforts.  She has already formed a strong alliance with Kyle Evans Gay and, this weekend, she will stand with Marie Pinkney and Eric Morrison on National Coming-Out Day.  Her impact in Delaware has already earned her the Delaware Liberal MVP Award in 2013. Here was our essay on her accomplishments that year:

1. Sarah McBride

Just take a look at SB 97.    Read the synopsis:

This Act adds the term “gender identity” to the already-existing list of prohibited practices of discrimination and hate crimes. As such, this Act would forbid discrimination against a person on the basis of gender identity in housing, employment, public works contracting, public accommodations, and insurance, and it would provide for increased punishment of a person who intentionally selects the victim of a crime because of the victim’s gender identity.

Now, take in the fact that SB 97 is now the law in Delaware.

Finally, realize that this bill is law because of Sarah McBride. She was able to persuade a skeptical General Assembly that this was the right thing to do. I’m in awe of what she did. Having worked down there as long as I did, it never dawned on me that the Delaware General Assembly would pass such a bill. The adolescent sniggering of John Atkins and Trey Paradee was more in tune with the way the General Assembly used to be, but thankfully is no more (BTW, why do I think that they are among the Most Likely to Stick Their Heads Into a Restroom to Sneak a Peek?). But, I digress.

This bill wasn’t even on my radar until this article surfaced.    I remember thinking, ‘interesting, worthwhile, but good luck with that.’

The article was posted on our blog on June 4, 2013. By June 19, SB 97 was the law of our state. The reason why is Sarah McBride. She tirelessly met with legislators one-on-one, and convinced (barely) enough legislators of good will  that those with gender identities different than their own deserved basic civil rights. If you think that’s easy, just try doing it.

Of course, I salute the sponsors and supporters of this legislation. But this is perhaps the single greatest example of one unelected citizen (here’s hoping that might change some day) making a difference for the positive good by finding common ground with the Delaware General Assembly and the Governor that I can recall. Inspirational.

For me, Sarah McBride is clearly the 2013 MVP. Can’t wait to see what she does next.

No, the race isn’t intriguing.  But Sarah McBride has started her political career. Sky’s the limit. Anyone want to bet against her success going forward?

SD 5: Kyle Evans Gay vs. Cathy Cloutier.

The R’s are running a campaign w/o a candidate. Anyone who watched Cathy’s (what’s a worse descriptor than…) inept performance at the League Of Women Voters panel realizes that she’s checked out. Cloutier has money, thanks to Chris Kenny and the construction trades.  But so does Kyle. And she’s built a powerful grassroots campaign.  I tend to agree with the Rev that she may be on the more moderate side of progressivism, but that still makes her a progressive.  I especially loved how, when Cathy tried to claim that she’s really an independent, Kyle pointed out that she’s actually on the Rethug Caucus Leadership team, carrying water for the troglodytes.  I think Cloutier struggles to get to 40%.

SD 7: Spiros Mantzavinos vs. Anthony Delcollo.  Delcollo’s swimming upstream here.  The registration figures are really daunting:  15,258 D; 7021 R; and 8661 I.  Add in the fact that this people are really motivated to vote out Trump and to vote for Biden.  Add in the fact that there’s nothing like the traffic controversy that hurt Blevins in 2016. Add in the fact that Spiros has raked in, wait for it, almost $120,000.  Sure Delcollo will outperform the registration percentages.  But I see no way that he can overcome what’s facing him.

SD 15: Jaci Hugg vs. David Lawson.  This could be a real close race. Hugg is Ennis’ legislative assistant. Lawson is one of the most right-wing of the Rethug right-wingers, and is all 2nd Amendment all of the time.  Hugg is pretty much part of the old-line Nancy Cook gang.  Lawson defeated Nancy Cook.  The district is not as hopeless as a couple of the western Sussex SD’s. If Biden skunks Trump here (unlikely), Hugg could squeak this out. She’s raised a respectable amount of money, around $45K.  Lawson has raised roughly $58K.  I think Lawson holds on, but my opinion could well change before Election Day.