1. Eugene Young Drops Out. One of the fears that I had expressed, and one that was likely shared by other progressive-minded folks, had been that the race could have turned negative. Neither Eugene nor Sarah were predisposed to allow that to happen. Others may disagree, but I believe that Eugene still has a very bright electoral future. Sarah believes it. Her remarks upon Eugene’s leaving the race reflect that:
In Delaware, we often find ourselves running for the same office alongside fellow candidates who we like and deeply respect, people who are decent, qualified, and talented leaders – committed and compassionate Delawareans like Eugene Young. Service is in Eugene’s heart and he continues to dedicate his life to empowering and uplifting others.Over the last year, my respect for Eugene has only grown. He’s run a positive campaign focused on the most important issues facing Delawareans: affordable housing and health care, good-paying jobs, and livable communities where all our families and neighbors can thrive. I know the story of Eugene’s contributions to our state is only just beginning.
Doesn’t get classier than that. Dream Scenario? Sarah either challenges Coons in 2026 and/or Biden tosses him a crumb appointment if reelected. Sarah moves to the Senate, the Democratic Party rallies around Eugene for Congress.
2. Paul Baumbach To Retire. One of the most effective legislators of the first progressive wave. Only David Bentz and J. J. Johnson rival him when it comes to results. Don’t panic, folks. This has been in the works for some time, and I think you will be more than pleased with Paul’s preferred successor. It could be made official as early as today. My one regret upon delving into this person’s background? They would have been perfect writing for our blog.
3. DSEA Endorses BHL. One of the few endorsements that generally comes with some boots on the ground. Yes, it’s disappointing. Especially since Collin O’Mara has articulated a vision for a serious public education renaissance with the money to accomplish it. The best anybody can hope for from BHL is incremental, um, incrementalism. But DSEA is often very cautious about bucking the status quo. Too bad, especially for them, that they chose that route again this time. Since teachers deal in facts, I think that Collin will have quite a bit of support among educators…if he can get his message out there. Just not among those who called this shot.
4. A Heffernan-Krawczuk Rematch In RD 6. Look, more or less, for a repeat of the 68-32 margin that Deb ran up in 2022.
5. Old Candidate, New Office. Again, not old-old. Just a losing candidate from last time recycling to a new race. Brenda Mennella was defeated by Jack Walsh in SD 9 in 2022. Got a respectable 38.5% of the vote. She’s now casting her lot in RD 21, the district being vacated by Mike Ramone. She will face the winner of the D primary between Frank Burns and the Other Mike Smith. (BTW, FWIW, the Original Mike Smith has yet to file for reelection in RD 22. Probably nothing, but worth keeping an eye on. ) I think that Ramone was the only R with even a chance to win in RD 21 this year. The current registration is 8195 D; 4852 R; and 5831 I. In an election year with Biden at the top of the ticket, that’s likely a bridge too far.
6. An Osienski-Godwin Rematch In RD 24. Look, more or less, for a repeat of the 66-33 margin that Ed ran up in 2022.
7. Filings: R Ruth Briggs King For Lt. Governor; D State Senator Elizabeth Lockman (SD 3); The ‘We Are Family’ Suxco House Rethugs, as in ‘I’ve got my four MAGAts and Me’–they always register together on the same day–even though they’re basically the same person, I’ll give ’em their props: Jesse Vanderwende, RD 35; Valerie Jones Giltner, RD 37; Ronald Gray, RD 38; Daniel Short, RD 39; and The Extreme Right Reverend Timothy Dukes, RD 40.
That’s all I’ve got this week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?