Delaware (Occasional) Political Weekly: May, 2023
Posted only when I gather enough facts, rumors, innuendo and snark to justify publishing. Until the fall. Then it legit becomes weekly. ‘Cept when I’ve got nothing. I’ve now got a bleepload:
1. A McBride vs. Young Primary For Congress? 8-Ball sez: “Signs point to yes”. I love them both. I hope that Gene instead opts for a race for Governor. However, if this primary takes place, I’ll be with Sarah. I just feel that her voice is desperately needed at the federal level at a time when the LGBTQ community is being mercilessly targeted. Should Gene run and win, I won’t be depressed, though. Should Gene run and lose, I hope and pray that he’ll resurface in 2026, when the entire progressive community will support him in an effort to take down Chris Coons. Contrary to reports, no Democrat has officially announced that they’re running for Congress, and likely won’t until LBR announces her expected run to succeed Carper.
2. Whither Speaker Pete? From what I can gather, his current plan is indeed to step down as Speaker, but to serve out his term in the House. He is not likely, however, to seek reelection in 2024. Meaning, no special election. Will he step down as Speaker in June, or will he wait until perhaps the fall to step down? And who will succeed him as Speaker? It’s far from a sure thing that it’ll be Our PAL Val. Although she’s the House Majority Leader, she doesn’t automatically become Speaker if/when Pete steps down. There is a great deal of anger targeted at both of them due to what appears to be yet another purge of House staff. Simply put, neither of them are decent human beings.
3. Whither Ruth Briggs King? Yes, she’s stepping down from the House at the end of the June session. Meaning, special election in the fall. FWIW, current registration in her 37th RD is 6212 R, 5617 D, and 3887 I. Unlikely pickup opportunity for the D’s unless the R’s pick a true nut-job. Word on the street is that RBK’s looking at running for Lt. Governor. She is far from the most unreasonable R out there. Meaning, she’ll likely be primaried.
4. Remember Steven Washington? He was Sarah McBride’s Republican challenger in 2022. Guess what? He’s a Democrat now. And he’s filed a committee to run for the 1st RD seat currently held by Nnamdi Chukwuocha. He’ll lose. Word is that Shane Darby will not challenge Nnamdi this go-round. Hmmm, wonder if she lives in the 1st Senate District. You know, if Sarah wins…
That’s all I’ve got. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?
I’m here for Eugene. He turned his campaign for Mayor into Network Delaware and from his office at the Urban League they cleaned out the City Democratic Committee, brought in the WFP, and got a lot of progressives elected in Dover. A lot of new progressive policies that we celebrate, including Sarah’s Paid Family Leave bill would not have been possible if Eugene didn’t lead that early effort and help get all those young progressives into office.
Sarah is great, no shade to her at all. However, people of color aren’t necessarily a community that has TOO many voices in the hallowed halls of Congress; Especially young African American voices from the eastside of Wilmington. I think that voice is sorely needed as well. If Sarah’s national strength is as strong as I think it is, I would prefer that she challenge Coons. Both come from very wealthy families steaped in the Delaware aristocracy. That would be a fight that I would love to support her in. A transwoman’s voice in the Senate would be far more valuable to us than in the House. imho
I only wish we wouldn’t have to choose.
I love both of them. Whether or not our bench is deep, the quality here at the very top is incredible.
Totally agree!!
I put this forward without a second name here the other day. Eugene would fit perfectly!
Just sayn’
For what my opinion is worth is that the WFP and progressives in general should consider coalescing around Sarah and mounting a primary vs LBR. The national attention on Sarah’s race should help a progressive for Senate raise funds and free media. I am very worried about Sarah’s security in any race. Nitwitzke will use her hate platform to the max.
Wish one of ‘em would run for Governor. Is our choice really the camera hound or the hotel GM?
McBride comes from yet another privileged Wilmington family. I vote for young
Nothing says “I’m progressive” like “I’m resentful.”
class analysis is legitimate. that resentfulness comes from somewhere. it’s a symptom of class consciousness.
you’re correct though. it isn’t liberal or progressive… it’s a secret third thing.
Might as well hate on that rich prick FDR. What’d he ever do for us?
Judging people as individuals is more effort than some people are willing to make.
I think it’s legit to say, for example, that you think a working-class Black person will prioritize your issues better than an upper-middle-class white trans person will, but to dismiss the latter because of the privileged background? That’s the kind of thing people scorn progressives for.
I’m not judging individual people. I’m saying the resentment has a broader social & economic cause. And it has a name.
It has nothing to do with an individual and I never said it did. That was the other guy.
I’m a notorious public class traitor though so…
Yeah, I didn’t mean you, I was talking about the other guy. As a fellow class traitor, I agree with you.
I don’t know who the better choice would be, but it’s a nice problem to have. The worry would be that those two split the progressive vote and open the door for a Carperite.
Yikes! What’s Sean Barney doin’ nowadays?
Sarah McBride is no more responsible for the wealth and status of her parents when she was born than she is for the gender assigned at birth. When looking at a potential office holder, I pay less attention to their “promises” than I do to their accomplishments. Sarah McBride has a resume of accomplishments as well as courage. She has demonstrated her progressiveness and ability to deliver on her beliefs in the short time she has been a state senator. I have no doubt she would be a progressive LEADER as a member of the House of Representatives.
As to not wanting a “Carperite”. I think that being a member of John Carney’s candidate is a Carper association on its face.
This makes zero sense Sussex and has nothing to do with class. I wouldn’t blame Eugene for being the Director of Housing under Carney any more than I’d blame Sarah for working for the Markell/Lavin Corporation. Is FDR unelectable because he worked in the Woodrow Wilson administration? I swear some progressives love to eat their young…(pun not intended)
Both are individuals with their own thoughts, not represented solely by the administrations they served in or the families they’re born to.
Look, I know that we may well have to choose between the two.
But I don’t see what we have to gain by dissing either candidate.
Exactly. This isn’t sports. You don’t have to hate the Mets because you like the Phillies.
Yeah but I do “have” to hate Atlanta. You know the tomahawk chop and chant and all?
John Kowalko