I can’t sleep. I’m writing this at 1 a.m.
Ever since I started here at Delaware Liberal back in 2009, my overriding theme has been the toxicity of the Delaware Way, and how that inside deal-making has slowed and sometimes halted real progressive gains here. Democrats and Republicans consistently placed the interests of Delaware’s wealthy and the priorities of the Chamber over the well-being of the rest of us.
Never thought this would happen, but I now believe that the Delaware Way is in its death throes.
First and foremost because I no longer see how the candidacy of Bethany Hall-Long for Governor can survive. Make no mistake: The entire raison d’etre of her campaign is/was the perpetuation of that inside game. Supported by those with skin in the game. Quid pro quos all around. It appears that her campaign will be done in because she turned the casual corruption of the Delaware Way into casual corruption on steroids.
We already knew about the sign-stealing, Dana Long’s misuse of his position with New Castle County, the utter clusterbleep of their campaign finances dating back to 2015, at least. We now have the opioid slush fund that has drawn the approbation of two elected statewide Democratic officials.
But events in just the past two days are causing serious tremors throughout the Delaware political scene. BHL’s latest campaign manager has resigned. So has her finance director. About a week or so before they’re supposed to file their 30-day finance report. The State Committee sent out an e-mail today touting their endorsed candidates by name, and notably omitted the name of BHL. Word on the street is that Emily’s List has also withdrawn its endorsement. To me, these portend the shutting down of the campaign.
Kids, the denizens of the Delaware Way pushed all their chips to the center of the table by betting on her candidacy. Now just imagine what could happen if/when her campaign folds. I have, that’s why I couldn’t sleep.
First, let’s be honest–Matt Meyer is an imperfect change agent. But what if he endorses the candidates who are running against Delaware Way candidates like Val Longhurst, Bill Bush, both Michael Smiths, and Kathy McGuiness, among others? We’d be talking an enema of, by, and for the people. I think that either he or Collin, if he could muster a campaign in BHL’s absence, would and should seriously consider such a move. Even if Matt may not set hearts aflutter, Kyle Evans Gay is a true progressive and as smart a legislator as you’re likely to find. In hindsight, had we known how things would turn out, I’d have loved to see her run for Governor. But, her time will come and I think she’ll exert serious influence on anybody but BHL.
We already have a progressive AG, and a State Auditor who is determined to uncover fiscal malpractice. The Senate has become an engine for progressive change, and the House is but a few seats away from joining them. We owe the Working Families Party and Network Delaware an incalculable measure of gratitude for that. In other words, we’re right there.
With BHL out, I see that snowball effect. Val Longhurst will be gone, I have no doubt about that. Those legislators who sold out will get one, and only one, chance to support a progressive leadership team.
And look at the people waiting in the wings: Sophie Phillips, Madinah Wilson-Anton, Shane Darby (future Mayor?), Branden Fletcher-Dominguez, Eric Morrison, Frank Burns and many more. Their progressivism has kept them from having more influence. Look for them all to flourish with more enlightened leadership, including them. What’s that phrase that Kamala uses?: “We’re not going back.”
I believe that this can, and will, happen this year. Once BHL is toast, tell me why this isn’t possible.
I’m really excited!
(In the unlikely event this doesn’t happen, I hope you at least had fun dreaming about it.)
Which reminds me: And now, to sleep, perchance to dream.
What do you want to talk about?