1. Collin O’Mara Files For Governor. I think he’s got a legit shot. Let’s face it: The partisans supporting BHL and Matt Meyer who post here have focused on the weaknesses (or worse) of the other candidate. That’s because both candidates have weaknesses, potential legal problems and/or antagonistic constituencies that make them vulnerable. O’Mara enters with his Kennedyesque boyish looks, largely unencumbered of the responsibilities of having been in the public eye for the last eight years.
‘Spoilers’ don’t self-fund to the extent that O’Mara is self-funding. Regardless of what conspiracy theorists are trying to sell us, he’s running to win.
He has a lot of ground to make up, especially in terms of name recognition. He has a lot to answer for–particularly his involvement in the twin Bloom and Fisker fiascos. Assuming, of course, that his opponents raise those issues. He needs to make a case for his election which, come to think of it, is not unlike what both BHL and Matt still need to do. BTW, you just gotta love this takeaway from Cris Barrish’s article:
Hall-Long, a two-term lieutenant governor who was elected in 2017 after spending 15 years in the state House and Senate, did not agree to an interview.
Instead, the University of Delaware nursing professor who lives in a Middletown-area golf course community issued a statement that targeted the affluence of her opponents.
Hall-Long has refused extended interviews about her candidacy, and has not spoken at all with WHYY News since her fledgling campaign was thrown into disarray within days of her September launch.
O’Mara does have a strong record of public service to run on. And, yes, those Kennedyesque boyish looks. Neither of his opponents have come close to putting this away. Those who dismiss his chances do so at their own risk.
Gonna be a fascinating three-way race. At least, that’s how I see it.
2. Great Candidate, Less-Than-Optimal District. 41st RD Rep. Richard Collins is arguably Delaware’s worst legislator. He now has a great challenger in Tom Brett. I love his bio and love his priorities. He has been a strong advocate for clean energy and has campaigned against the Rethugs’ whack-a-doo opposition to electric vehicles. Check out his letters to the editor–they’re really cool. BTW, show him some love and click the Donate button. The district, though, sucks. Was made more R during redistricting, which is understandable as it helped create more competitive districts in eastern Suxco. Registration is 6652 D; 8979 R; and 5459 I. Not. Good. Nevertheless, we need to encourage candidates like Tom Brett. You can start by clicking that Donate button.
3. Sarah McBride Files For Congress. Making official what everybody already knows. I’m liking the thought of her in Congress more and more.
4. Yet Another Wilmington At-Large Candidate. I’m setting the over/under at 10 when it comes to at-large candidates for Wilmington City Council. The latest? Waynna Dobson, who goes to great lengths to remind everyone that she’s a realtor. Don’t believe me? Just type in her name. She also co-hosts The Congo Hour from time to time. She is also, and I quote, ‘…sincere in helping spread insight from her life’s experiences as well as other individuals who dedicate their lives not to give up, cave in, or quit.”
5. Sleazy Suxco Councilman Gets D Challenger. Said sleazy councilman/former sleazy Smyrna mayor Mark Schaeffer is the incumbent. Dana Paskins has filed to seek his Suxco 3rd Council seat. 30-year Air Force veteran. Lots of volunteer activity. I don’t know the composition of the 3rd Council District, but I betcha that our Sussex Spies do. It could well be a competitive race, and could be more competitive if you click on the Donate button right here.
5. Filings: D State Rep. DeShanna Neal (RD 13); D Kevin Caneco, Candidate, NCC Council District 12; D Wilmington City Council Member At-Large Michelle Harlee.
That’s all I’ve got this week (that’s not enough?). What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?