Delaware Political Weekly: June 24-30, 2022

1. Lydia York To The Rescue. Whether or not jurors have become so used to Delaware Way corruption that they’re prepared to give Kathy McGuiness a pass, we as Democrats see KMG for who she is–an utter disgrace of a public officeholder.  Lydia York offers integrity and professionalism. With an MBA from Wharton and Law and Taxation degrees from Temple, she is well-suited for delving into issues that would come under the purview of the State Auditor. A welcome contrast from someone whose sole qualification was as a friend of Pete Schwartzkopf’s.  BTW, I couldn’t find a single mention of her announcement in the News-Journal, WDEL, or the Delaware State News. What’s up with that?

2. Battle Of Lightweights In SD 18? Marble-mouthed auctioneer Dave Wilson has filed for reelection.  A Democratic challenger, name of Billy Devary, has also filed. I was kinda psyched–until I saw that he was a serial litigator with, um, dubious credibility.  As in here. And here.  Next, please.

3. Stell Parker Selby Files As A D In RD 20.  This is the seat being vacated by Steve Smyk.  I don’t think the D’s could have found a better candidate:

Parker Selby is very familiar with southern Delaware, as she is a native and served as a teacher and administrator for more than 30 years in the Cape Henlopen School District. Following her retirement, she was elected to a five-year term on the Cape Henlopen school board, during which she served as vice president and president.

A longtime Milton resident, Parker Selby was elected in 2014 to Milton Town Council, where she served as a council member and vice mayor. Parker Selby was born in Milford, and raised in Lewes and Milton. She has two sons, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The 20th House District includes parts of the Lewes, Milton and Belltown areas of Sussex County.

She will run against ‘seasoned combat veteran’ Dallas Wingate, barring a primary on either side.  Curious minds want to know: What’s the best seasoning for a combat veteran?

4.  He’s Ba-a-a-ck. Ex-Cop John Marino To Challenge Eric Morrison. For those keeping score, that’s two ex-cops who have Morrison in their crosshairs. Marino was an NYC cop prior to his ‘forced retirement’ due to disability.  He is ‘prepared to fight against the out-of-control spending and stop the tax hikes that continue to hurt our sluggish economy.’ Guess he doesn’t read the papers. He has lost three consecutive elections in Delaware, although he almost beat Bethany Hall-Long in 2014 after BHL’s husband got caught stealing campaign signs.  He most recently lost to Stephanie Hansen in a Special Election in 2017 to replace Hall-Long, who had been elected Lieutenant Governor.  He got about 41% of the vote, which is about as good as he’s likely to do against Morrison.  Morrison must first turn back the challenge of ex-cop Michael Hertzfeld, whose candidacy has Kop Kabal stink all over it.  BTW, does ‘I attended St. Mark’s High School, where I was fortunate to study and excel with many of today’s Delaware leaders’ suggest that John Carney and Claire Dematteis are his good buddies?  It does to me.  All the more reason to support Eric.  You can do it right here.

5. Ed Klima Primaries Cyndie Romer In RD 25. This is the district that John Kowalko represents.  My progressive pals tell me that Romer is the real deal.  Let’s check out Klima.  Well, he doesn’t have a website yet, so let’s google him. He’s…:

…a certified emergency manager with over 27 years of public safety experience as a fire fighter, hazardous material technician, EMT, fire inspector and fire officer. He began his career as a volunteer fire fighter in Delaware and served as a career fire fighter and hazardous materials technician with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. In 2005, he became the Senior Director of Public Safety and Track Operations for Dover Motorsports and Dover Downs Hotel and Casino where he oversaw emergency preparedness planning and operations at several motorsports facilities across the U.S. as well as a comprehensive safety and security program for a multi-faceted sporting and entertainment complex in Delaware.

He’s worked something like 15 Super Bowls.  Interesting.  But give me Romer.

6. R Gloria Hope Payne Files In RD 18.  The only person by that name that pops up is in her 70’s and has no online presence. A quintessential ‘name on the ballot’?

6. Filings.  In the interest of keeping your attention, I’m skipping Suxco row offices and unaligned candidates.  State Rep. Kevin Hensley (R-RD 9); State Rep. Val Longhurst (D-RD 15);  State Rep. Mike Ramone (R-21st RD); State Rep. Michael Smith (R-22nd RD).

Coming next week:  What should happen before the Filing Deadline.

That’s all I’ve got. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?