DL’s MVP’s (Most Valuable To The Progressive Cause) Of 2024

I must first explain the omission of both Sarah McBride and Kyle Evans Gay from this year’s list.  Yes, I’m thrilled that both have moved on to higher office.  Yes, their legislative work deserves recognition on this list.  The only reason I’ve left them off is, through no fault of their own, the State Senate is now less progressive due to the insiders who nominated Delaware Way drones to replace them.   I’m sure Sarah and Kyle will be back on the list as early as next year as they are two of the best and the brightest to come along in a long time.   Hope I’m still on their Christmas Card lists…

OK, here we go, as always, in reverse numerical order.  You know, a countdown:

10.  Matt Meyer.  He defeated the incompetent/ethically-bankrupt Delaware Way candidate and struck a blow against insiderism.  He could well rise higher on this list, or could disappear altogether, depending on what kind of Governor he becomes.

9.  Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos and Rep. Kendra Johnson.  For their ongoing efforts to protect residents of Delaware’s long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities.  Righteous work.

8.  Nicky Beard and Monica Shockley-Porter.  While they didn’t win, they ran progressive campaigns that resonated with a lot of voters.  I know they will continue to make a difference.

7.  Sascha Bretzger, Makenley Jean, Khairat Makanjuola,  Jhilmil Pandit, Justice Porter, Justin Porter, Cherish Robinson, Drew Serres, Mikki Snyder-Hall, Allison Stampone, Gary Steelman, Karl Stomberg, Josh Whittaker.    Grassroots campaigns succeeded again this year because of people dedicated to doing everything from knocking on doors, to raising money, to coordinating and training volunteers.  These are a few of the key contributors to those campaigns.  Please add more names!

6.  Kevin Caneco, Jane Gruenebaum, Coby Owens, Christian Willauer.  A lot of stealthy progress revolved around the election of these four progressives to their respective County and Municipal Councils.  Willy-nilly development may well suffer.  It will also be interesting to see what Coby and Christian bring to Delaware’s Most Dysfunctional Legislative Body.

5. Paul Baumbach.  A final year befitting his entire term in office.  I hope and expect that all of the tireless effort he put into his End Of Life Options bill will come to fruition early in the new year. His career reminds me a lot of that of Rep. J. J. Johnson, who quietly made an impact that resonates today.

4.  Reverend Patrick Burke.  The conscience and voice that Wilmington needs.  While the entire city power structure seeks to gentrify at the expense of the poor and the houseless, Rev. Burke has rallied those in Wilmington who have a conscience to give voice to the voiceless.  As well as shelter, clothing and food.  Perhaps City Council will awaken to the injustices being perpetrated on their fellow human beings by the heartless actions of Mayor Mike and his clueless soon-to-be successor.

3.  Karl Baker, Cris Barrish, Randall Chase, Briana Hill, Sarah Mueller, Nick Stonesifer.  We sure needed them this year, and they delivered.  Great reporting from great reporters.  They exposed pretty much every scandal that the likes of John Carney and BHL tried to keep hidden.  You’ll read lots of their great work if/when you click onto the links in the upcoming ‘2024:  The Good, The Bad, The Ridiculous’.  Spotlight Delaware and WHYY are now my go-to sources for Delaware news, and Randall Chase of the Associated Press does a great job covering the legislative beat and Dover doings in general that the News-Journal has just decided not to cover any more.  You can read him in ‘Bay To Bay’.  If I missed any names, please add them.

2. Frank Burns and Claire Snyder-Hall.  It’s one thing to bid farewell to Pete Schwartzkopf,  Kathy McGuiness and Mike Ramone.  And also to defeat Val’s trust fund baby in a primary.  It’s quite another to have Frank Burns and Claire Snyder-Hall taking their places (or would-be places) in the General Assembly.  Progressive stalwarts in, Delaware Way insiders out.  The State House Of Representatives is immediately a better place.  And that’s before…

1.  Kamela Smith.  Kam was so nervous about possibly running against Our PAL Val Longhurst that she initially only formed an exploratory committee.  Yes, there was pressure from the Usual Suspects for her not to run.  Once she committed, she ran one of the best grassroots campaigns you’ll ever see.  She raised enough money to be competitive and, most importantly, she made such a tremendous impression on the voters she met.  She is a true empath.  I can’t imagine anyone meeting her and not liking her.   She had so many friends and volunteers who wanted to help her, and they sure did.  This campaign had vibes so similar to Marie Pinkney’s campaign in 2020.  With the same palpable joy that came with victory.  I don’t need to remind our readers what ridding the General Assembly of the malevolent presence of Longhurst means.  I know for a fact that some of the happiest people were staffers who were forced to ‘volunteer’ for Val.  It remains to be seen how much more progressive the House will be with the new additions.  What has already happened, at least, is that the morale in the House has skyrocketed.   I hope you all get a chance to meet her.  Kam Smith is our MVP of 2024.  Was there ever any doubt?