Did what I usually do–scoured all the local news sources for Pete sightings. None reported.
So, here’s where that leaves us: On July 1, 2022 State Auditor Kathy McGuiness is convicted on three counts of her indictment. Every Democratic legislator in leadership calls for her resignation. Except for Pete Schwartzkopf, who is unavailable for comment.
The Democratic leadership of the Delaware State Senate calls for the General Assembly to initiate proceedings to remove her from office. Just one problem. Those proceedings must begin in the House. Only two people can call the House back into session: John Carney, who is Governor in name only. And Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf. Pete Schwartzkopf remains unavailable for comment.
Now, ten days after McGuiness’ convictions, Speaker Pete remains unavailable for comment.
He is scheduled to appear at a Democratic committee event on Wednesday. Any Democrat can attend. What about reporters? Will Pete be available for comment to his handpicked committee members and remain unavailable for comment to the press and, by extension, to all Delawareans? I don’t think that even Pete can carry off that weasel move.
We don’t know if he’ll show. We don’t know whether questions about his protegee will either be permitted or answered.
Since the event is scheduled for the day after the filing deadline, we don’t even know if Pete and/or Kathy will remain on the primary ballot.
What we do know is that Schwartzkopf is in dereliction of his duties as Speaker. I find it difficult to believe that, following this November’s election, even a supplicant D caucus will support him for Speaker. He has embarrassed them and himself. The D caucus is certain to be less supplicant come November anyway, as several progressive challengers to the Kop Kabal leadership will be newly-elected members of the body. Something that Pete, and Val, who is likely already sharpening her figurative knives, know.
This is the summer of their discontent. May it continue to escalate.