Delaware Political Weekly: January 21-27, 2022
1. Kerri Evelyn Harris Files! Not for the ballot yet. But she indeed has filed her campaign committee for the 32nd RD seat currently held by Andria Bennett. In other words, she’s running. Harris’ election and Bennett’s departure represent a two-fer when it comes to challenging the Kop Kabal. Not to mention, Kerri brings so much to the House. She wouldn’t be your typical first-term legislator.
2. Russ Huxtable Files! Not for the ballot yet. But he indeed has filed his campaign for the 6th SD seat currently held by the retiring Ernie Lopez. I’m very impressed with his background as an affordable housing development specialist for low-income and rural populations. That would be a wonderful skill set to bring to the Senate.
3. Susan Clifford Files As A D In RD 39. That’s the seat currently occupied by Danny Short. Clifford has recently been active in opposing a proposed bioenergy plant expansion in Seaford. Republican Minority Leader Danny Short is the incumbent.
4. Marcus Henry Wastes No Time…in trying to establish himself as Matt Meyer’s logical successor as NCC Chief Executive. He filed his campaign committee to do just that as his committee says ‘County Executive 2024’. Henry has extensive state and county management experience, and is listed as the Owner/Founder at BrightBloom Centers, which provide services to those with autism and their families.
5. Stu Markham Running For Newark Mayor. Definitely has lots of experience in Newark government. The non-partisan election is scheduled for April 12.
6. What’s Going On With NCC Filings? So far, nobody from New Castle County has filed for the ballot. I can only assume there remains some issue regarding finalizing filing fees. Anybody have any info on why there’s a holdup?
7. Breaking: Kowalko To Retire. Announced it on the House floor yesterday. It is essential that his successor continues to oppose the Kop Kabal. His 25th RD is primarily in the Newark area.
That’s all I’ve got. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?
Susan Clifford is an organizer and activist. Great candidate. While the task of dislodging an incumbent reactionary in Sussex is daunting, we should stand with her campaign and organizing efforts. From everything I know (not terribly much yet) she’s the genuine article. We need comrades in Sussex and she definitely fits the bill.
That’s the sense I got as well.
There is no way any Democrat knocks off Danny Short, especially a liberal one.
SW, Danny’s been around a long time. What do you think would be Clifford’s chances if Short retires?
Slim. I’ve never heard of her, though admittedly I don’t know everyone. We’ve run a lot of people just like her in the past and they’ve all fallen short (pun intended). To my recollection, no Dem has come close to Short, or Fallon before him, in decades. The district is slightly more R than D, but has a lot of conservative Ds in that mix. Seaford is not a progressive hotspot, to put it mildly. It’s far more friendly to firefighters than anyone with the label “activist.”
David Genshaw, the anti-abortion mayor, would be the next logical choice, or Mike Vincent if he wants to move on from the County Council. Both are Rs.
You do pose an interesting idea. Danny has been around for a while, and he was supposed to be in the Senate by now after Venables retired, not running every two years. Richardson stabbed him in the back when he didn’t wait his turn and broke that gentleman’s agreement and took out Bob early. He’s leading a caucus which has almost no power and there is little possibility of enlarging. Might be time to go out on his own terms. On the other hand, he is only 60.
ugh, not Genshaw. From what I’ve seen of the Seaford saga, he would be an ideologue in the legislature.
No safe districts. Democrats to challenge Republicans everywhere and BETTER Democrats to challenge shitty Democrats everywhere. That’s the path forward.
I agree – we need a statewide strategy with challengers in every R district and county seat. But don’t get up hopes that some random activists are going to knock off incumbents in solidly R districts. It’s about depleting the GOP’s dwindling resources and diffusing their attention.
And being ready to take advantage when the opportunities arise.
SW: Another question: Now that Sen. Pettyjohn did not get that Elections position, is he likely to run for reelection? If so, is RBK likely to primary him?
Your guess is as good as mine. I wish I had more insight. I’d wager that RBK isn’t going to primary Pettyjohn, but that’s just gut instinct.
From what I’ve heard from someone close to RBK, she plans on running for the seat regardless of what happens with its current occupant.
Beware of shitty Democrats going after our new crop of progressive legislators as well!
Right. There’s an ESPECIALLY shitty R-turned-D who has filed to run against Madinah Wilson-Anton. Equally-shitty D John Viola has maxed out to this challenger.