Delaware Political Weekly: Week Ending October 23, 2025
“We are kings of our bikes. So, we are again really lucky to live in Rehoboth, when we park a car, we have to get back into the car. We can hop on our bikes and our ritual is that we are always biking from our home to L(ewe)s. We do a little bit of walking around, a little bit of margarita, a little bit of good food – there’s amazing food then bike right back. So the ritual, on our bikes, every chance we can, any place we can go, and eliminate the cars.”–Dan Cruce.
1. An idyllic lifestyle. As chronicled here. Thing is, the person waxing rhapsodic about this lifestyle purports to live in Wilmington, and represents Wilmington and parts of northern NCC as a State Senator. Hence, this quote will lead off the Delaware Political Weekly every week until Dan Cruce either drops out of the race for reelection, or is transparent with his constituents about where he lives. Feel free to share this, especially with folks who might want a local elected official to live, you know, locally.
2. This Rob Bahnsen Looks Like The Real Deal. Might I also add that I just love most of the websites for our insurgent candidates. Rob’s ranks with the best of ’em:
As a physician, Dr. Rob provides psychiatric care to our most vulnerable neighbors. But the tools he has as a doctor are no longer enough to lift people in our community up.
For too long, Delaware has been the First State for corporations, but 37th for education and 44th for employment. Dr. Rob is running to change that—to demand a new, equitable, transparent Delaware Way of doing things.
These days, the same communities that lifted me up when I was young are the ones that suffer the most. As a psychiatrist, I work on the frontlines in Delaware’s largest emergency rooms, intensive care units, and hospital wards to provide care to our most vulnerable neighbors. I hear their stories of hardship and how they just can’t get ahead. I feel their despair when those in power dismiss them, telling them the answer is to work harder for less. I see firsthand how these problems lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, and suicide.
The system isn’t working, and it affects all of us.
When I became a doctor, I swore an oath to keep my patients healthy. I can no longer fulfill that oath until we heal our community. This is why I’m running to be your State Representative – to improve access to quality healthcare, demand excellence in education, and diversify an economy too dependent on powerful interests that don’t care about us. To fight for what people need, so our community can grow strong.
He even uses the word ‘progressive’ on the website.
The incumbent in this RD 12 race is Krista Griffith, who led the fight on behalf of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerburg for the passage of SB 21. Along the way, she categorized amendments that would have made the bill better as ‘unfriendly’ and, with the help of Speaker Mimi Minor-Brown, defeated them.
I met Rob during a canvassing session for Shay Frisby, and was totally impressed.
More than anything, I think Rob will need boots on the ground. I know that Shay and Rob will likely do a joint canvass in the two ED’s they have in common. I plan to be there.
3. Controversy W/Suxco Dems? The answer is yes, don’t know the particulars. Here’s what State Chair Evelyn Brady wrote:
Dear State Executive Committee Members,
I am writing to brief you on an important matter that I anticipate will be receiving attention in the press.
This matter concerns Sussex County Chair, Jeff Balk. Jeff was elected to his role as Chair of the Sussex County Democratic Committee (SCDC) before I was elected to my role as State Chair. It was recently brought to my attention that Jeff has a criminal history for which he was registered as a sex offender. I was not previously aware of these matters. Upon learning of his criminal history, I quickly took steps to understand the underlying facts from available records. Once I learned those facts, I made the judgment, in my role as State Chair, to ask Jeff to resign from his elected role. I made this judgment based on my assessment that his continued service as Chair is not in the best interests of the SCDC or the Delaware Democratic Party, or our mission of securing the election of leaders who support the Party’s ethics and platform and will best serve the people of Delaware.
On October 10, 2025, I met with Jeff to request his resignation, and shortly thereafter, he communicated to me that he did not intend to resign. A few days later, a group of SCDC officials sent me a letter reflecting their disagreement with my request and their continued support of Jeff as Chair. The letter also asked me to withdraw my request. It continues to be my judgment that Jeff should resign, and therefore I have not withdrawn my request. Throughout this time, I have been engaged in ongoing efforts to continue to urge his resignation, including conversations with SCDC officials. I have also sent a written response to the letter conveying my continued belief that it is best for the Party that Jeff no longer serve in his role as Chair.
Two days ago, I was contacted by a reporter from Spotlight Delaware indicating that he had received a copy of the letter that the group of SCDC officials had sent to me. I anticipate that the reporter will publish on this topic today. If you receive any inquiries from the press, I ask that you refer them to me.
As noted, I remain of the belief that it is in the interest of the Party for Jeff to resign from his role, and I am continuing to evaluate options in the event that he does not submit his resignation. I welcome your thoughts as I navigate this matter, and you should feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss it.
I know nothing of Balk’s alleged criminal history or why he may be registered as a sex offender. Nor do I have enough info to judge whether or not he should resign. What I do know is that Chris Coons is alleged to be the one pushing for the firing.
4. D Ryan Stuckey Files For RD 41 Ballot. He is, or was, the owner of the Kisa Cafe in Dagsboro. Hasn’t yet filed his committee. The odious Rich Collins is the incumbent.
5. Coming Next Week: Your One-Stop Shop For Campaigns To Support. I had planned to do that this week, but one important filing I had anticipated didn’t happen in time. Trust me–It’s worth waiting for.
That’s all I’ve got. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?
For more on how Mr. Balk got onto the sex offender registry, here’s the decision to deny his petition for removal from it.
https://cases.justia.com/delaware/superior-court/2015-15m-02-009.pdf?ts=1430748036
The only reason it was denied was because this request could not be adjudicated until the parties involved reached the age of 18.
Stop stirring the pot
The parties involved were long past the age of 18. I wasn’t stirring the pot, I posted something that’s part of the public record.
Adjust your attitude or fuck off.
Since this issue has now been publicized, I want to say this: I was shocked to learn of Jeff Balk’s past. As soon as I had all the facts, I urged him to resign from his leadership position in the Sussex Democratic Party. I believe in protecting children and standing with survivors, including the inner child still healing within those who were hurt long ago.
Fair enough. However–
The offenses took place a long time ago. In Missouri. He was 18. I read nothing in the appeal to suggest that the participants were unwilling.
He paid the price. Should he pay it for his whole life? Has anyone suggested he poses any kind of current threat?
I admit this is not a question with a clear answer. At least, not in my mind.
Oh save me the clutched pearls Claire. It happened in 1988.
You aren’t a true progressive or liberal if you think young men and women who serve time never deserve a second chance in life.
Balk should stand firm
“Young men”?? He was in his late 20s and he groomed and then raped multiple children over nearly a decade. It’s absolutely insane to think he should be in party leadership.
Sorry, but yes….raping children makes me clutch my pearls.
Also, Sussex Dems are doing outreach into high schools and Jeff is leading on that. Having a Youth Council is one of his major initiatives. Kids under 18 knock doors, make calls, want to get involved in politics.
This is insane. I can’t believe anyone thinks he should stay.
Statutory Sodomy in Missouri is deviant sexual encounters. It is Statutory if the victim does not consent, is incapable of consent or is a minor under 14 or over 14 if the defendant is 4 or more years older
Missouri has a separate statute on Statutory Rape. Mr Balk was never accused of rape. Judge him as you wish but don’t assign even worse crimes to him
I’m sure that is very comforting to his victims.
This account from Newspapers.com provides much more information. I now agree that Balk must go:
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.newspapers.com%2Fimg%2Fimg%3Fuser%3D4775795%26id%3D139604032%26clippingId%3D39324221%26width%3D820%26height%3D1484%26crop%3D2556_1425_1225_2217%26rotation%3D0&tbnid=nv82hfL3yuORbM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Farticle%2F39324221%2Fjeff-balk%2F&docid=tmDPhumQqAw5eM&w=819&h=1484&itg=1&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm1%2F3&kgs=9bd1fafe70cd731d&shem=isst
Those people in the Democratic Party who believe in restoring full rights to felons who served their time and complied with all court mandates are hypocrites is they create a “ unless it may cost votes”. That is the case hear.
Jeff Balk committed serious felonies in Missouri in 1986 and was sentenced in 1988- Ronald Reagan was president. He spent 7 years in prison and when released to parole commission lied with all court requirements. He moved to Delaware over 20 years ago and registered as a sex offender here. He remained on that list until he was removed as allowed by law
No one is defending what he did. Since moving to Delaware he has led a stellar life. He has been a model citizen- running a successful local business and establishing this area’s public radio station, He led the 14th Representative District with distinction. His work and fundraising success are largely responsible for Democratic victories that picked up a senate seat, house seat, county council seat as well as the retention of Rehoboth seat won by Representative Snyder- Hall. His past was well known in the business and political communities. He is the example of what convicted felons can do with the second chance. That is why he was unanimously elected Sussex Democratic chair last Spring and retains the unanimous support of the county Dem executive committee- uniting the county party for the first time in decades
What is unforgivable is that state party chair Evelyn Brady gave into pressure from the religious and “moral” Chris Coons and demand Jeff Balk resign. She did so without the knowledge, input, or support of her own State Democratic Committee. Some elected officials now calling for Balk’s resignation initially supported him fully- until convinced by some statewide elected officials that Elon Musk will spend millions tying a county Democratic chair to Democratic candidates.
The story here is not Jeff Balk’s 40 year old felonies. It is the hypocrisy of elected officials who care more about the next election than standing up for their professed principles and a state party chair acting on her own because she fears Chris Coons will not fund the 2026 state campaign. Add to this Claire Snyder Hall who I supported in 2024 and who has a great first year record. She is already showing herself as no better than Coons and is now opening herself to a primary challenge from her own base.
I disagree. Respectfully.
Reading the newspaper article posted above changed my opinion.
That article convinces me that he was a serial predator of children over the course of several years. We’re not talking isolated incidents.
I don’t know if you’ve read the article but, if not, I encourage you do so. It was enough to change my mind.
He was 28 and running a roller skating rink and miniature golf course, which he likely did because it gave him access to children.
He also did the same thing 5 years prior (in 1981) but the kids were too embarrassed to take the stand so he was able to get those charges thrown out.
Point being, he knew damn well he was traumatizing kids. He had his get out of jail free card in the first spate of attacks. Next time round he acts penitent in court two years after the second spate, but is then found with a boy again a couple months later at 3:30 in the morning? By then he was 30 and had harmed more children than we know.
I’m glad Mr. Coons wants this guy gone but it’s likely only because of optics, given his inability to recognize the humanity of Palestinian children.
Totally agree. This is 40 years old Jeff has been the epitome of an honest businessman and an involved and accomplished citizen.
Hypocrisy is the story. Everyone running scared as Dems typically do. And what does it get them A reputation for folding at the slightest bit of controversy. It has been the Dems that have spread information that is lethal to a person who has paid for his mistakes and lived an exemplary life since
I support Jeff and do not support Claire or anyone else that has turned old news, very old news, into a vicious gossip mongering attack.
No compassion here. Is everyone cleaner than “Caesar’s wife”?
It’s so crazy that the leadership of the Democratic Party in Sussex county have decided to make defending a pedophile their life’s work. Delaware Way at its most grotesque.
Some free advice to Balk – just resign. That’s how this ends. You’re just going to drag you and your supporters through the mud to the very clear and inevitable conclusion.
The Spotlight Delaware story on this dispute has just gone online:
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/10/24/democrats-feud-over-sussex-chairs-sex-offender-past/
Dr. Rob’s page looks great. I liked this suggestion quite a bit: “Launch a state Climate Corps job program that employs young people in conservation, flood mitigation, and urban greening.”
This is why politics are the Fing worst. To those on here defending his “did his time and it was a long time ago” are the same ones that if he were a R they would want him in prison for life. Any sexual/violent crime against a child has no place anywhere near children again. none. Again. this is another example of why dems are the Fing worst. “hey, lets make this guy a high rep in the party.” “awesome, should we do a background check?” “nah, he wants to get people to vote dem so he’s cool”
Seriously!!! Balk isn’t nearly as bad as Epstein……..but he definitely would have been happy to go to Epstein’s island.
Not nice. You think this is funny. Glass houses not a duplicate comment A reminder that people change and should be judged on the person they have become not on 40 years ago. This does not condone this type of behavior but recognizes redemption and grace
It’s not like he committed a “normal” felony, like robbing a bank. If that was the case I could support the fact that he did his time. He is a sexual predator who harmed boys. How have they overcome what was done to them? What hypocrites the Sussex County Democrats are!
I wouldn’t paint anybody with the ‘hypocrite’ label on this. All the Sussex D’s knew was that he was doing a great job in their eyes.
Which is why it’s tough for them to process this.
Did they even do a basic background check? Fingerprints would have brought this up
Seriously? You want the Democratic Party to run background checks on all the volunteers who serve on Party committees?
He’s the F’ing county chair. Yes he needs to be background checked
I seriously doubt whether ANY County Chair, D or R, in the country has been background-checked.
Your suggestion that the Party was somehow negligent in not doing so makes no sense.
We are going to fingerprint people who want to serve as Volunteer chairs….Why do Democrats need to overreact to literally everything….
Just because the Delaware Dem leadership in Sussex supports him – not everyone in Sussex supports Balk. He needs to resign. Claire has her supporters who are grateful for her stance and for speaking out. Many many people were responsible for the success in Sussex, not one person.
Claire doesn’t have a following. She got her doors blown off when she first ran and survived a tight primary. Since getting to leg hall she’s been smug, rude, and doing anything to crawl to leadership. Following lol
‘Survived a tight primary’. As if defeating the Speaker’s chosen candidate ain’t nothing.
Sussex County Republicans have seen their share of sex scandals. I trust people remember the names Eric Bodenweiser and Vance Phillips. If you don’t, plug the names into this site’s search function.
Eric Bodenweiser was not charged until more than two decades after his encounters with an underage boy. He got one year of probation after pleading guilty to reduced charges. Vance Phillips faced no legal penalty for his grooming of an underage female intern.
I’m not going to criticize either side, because I think the feelings on both sides are legitimate.
If the fear is that GOP could exploit this, well, a couple of prominent SuxCo Republicans who held actual elective offices were involved in sex scandals, and their party did not purge them. Their party did not act at all against either one, neither of whom paid anywhere near the price Mr. Balk did, and neither one of whom accepted responsibility. So by my accounting, their hands are dirtier. If Republicans want to call Democrats the party of pedophiles, the obvious answer is to introduce them to a mirror, and to remind them that Mr. Balk, unlike their malefactors, paid for his crime.
Democrats pushed hard for the “ban the box” law that bars employers from asking applicants about their criminal history. It certainly looks like hypocrisy to claim that the law should not apply to officials of their own party.
If Democrats won’t stand behind their stated principles, why should anyone else? And if those principles are not shared by party members, why are they the party’s principles?