The 62 Project: #’s 25 & 37

The 62 Project: #’s 25 & 37

5 Comments
Mike Mulrooney is a salt-of-the-earth legislator, and I mean that as a compliment. While he doesn't make splashes as a prime sponsor on much legislation, he is a quietly-effective supporter of (mostly) progressive legislation. He meandered from the fold on one gun bill, but that's about it. Rep. Don Blakey is a mild disappointment to me. He is a largely-moderate African-American who could be a bit more like Mike Ramonewithout harming his electoral position, IMHO.  Especially within the R House caucus. While he doesn't vote in lockstep with leadership, he does so far too much to warrant a higher ranking.  For example, why would he stand with the obstructionist elements in his caucus in not supporting 'no-excuses absentee balloting'? There's, um, no excuse for that. All it does is help disenfranchise many of his constituents, some of whom work at the Dover Air Force Base. Why did he vote against gay marriage? Why does he oppose criminal background checks for private weapons purchases?
The 62 Project: #’s 26 and 36

The 62 Project: #’s 26 and 36

5 Comments
We have the Representatives Short up today. Bryon the the North. Daniel to the South. One is the House Minority Leader. And one is a Democrat in the Brandywine Hundred. Bryon Short combines some of the best and some of the most disappointing elements that I look for in a D legislator in a safe district. He is not just good, but great, on social issues. Not just a reliable supporter of equal rights for all, but a prime House sponsor on legislation ensuring rights for the transgender community.  He has successfully sponsored legislation extending health benefits to dependent children.  He is also a strong supporter of gun control, is someone who pays attention to his district, basically someone who you'd like as your rep. He's even successfully pushed legislation on behalf of animal rights. How can you not like someone who will protect your puppies? The problem, and it's a big one, is that he is in thrall to the Carper/Carney wing of the Party. And business interests uber alles.
John Bleeping Carney

John Bleeping Carney

10 Comments
John Bleeping Carney. One of 30 'Democrats' to vote to enable 'financial advisors' to continue to rip you off. Worse than useless. Check out this article from Daily Kos:
The Labor Department proposal, known as the “fiduciary rule,” would change the ethical standards by which employer-based retirement products like 401(k)’s and IRAs are marketed and sold. The rule has not been updated since 1975, before 401(k)’s and IRAs even existed. The Labor Department wants to broaden the definition of a “fiduciary” to cover all financial advisers who offer individual investment advice for a fee. Under the rule, they would be legally required to work in the best interest of their clients. For example, a fiduciary would not be able to push investment products on customers in which they have a financial stake.
The 62 Project: #’s 27 & 35

The 62 Project: #’s 27 & 35

15 Comments
Rebecca Walker has, on paper, the kind of background I look for in a legislator--demonstrated accomplishment in arenas other than politics. She's both a nurse and an attorney, and has practiced in each field. Ernie Lopez first ran for office in New Castle County. I voted for him. Why? Because he was clearly the better candidate when he ran against the ghastly Paul Clark for County Council President in 2004.
The 62 Project: #’s 28 & 34

The 62 Project: #’s 28 & 34

6 Comments
Proof that people can change. Or at least evolve. Today's legislators both moved up the list notably this year, and the change appears to be permanent. Unless, of course, it's not. I think both liberated themselves from barriers of their own making, and it's refreshing to see.
The 62 Project: #’s 29 and 33

The 62 Project: #’s 29 and 33

29 Comments
Today's installment asks the musical question: "Do I grade on a curve when it comes to Republicans?" Why, yes, yes I do. Except when I don't. Another question: Does public comment influence me. Yes, but only to a certain extent. Puzzled? I'll make everything as  clear as taupe (think stockings, as I often do). Starting now. Today's entries: Republican Mike Ramone and Democrat Andria Bennett
The 62 Project: #’s 30, 31, 32

The 62 Project: #’s 30, 31, 32

22 Comments
We begin the ranking of the 62 legislators smack dab in the middle. As a listaholic, the thought of doing a double countdown, both up to the top and down to the dregs, is close to orgasmic. And, um, the foreplay is just starting. I laid out my criteria here. I'll let the articles speak for themselves. In addition to expressing opinions on the rankings, please let me know how you'd like to see this countdown improved. I'm sure there will be subtle format changes as this moves forward. To me, here's the lede of today's rankings: Being in the middle of the rankings does not mean 'meeting expectations'. As it turns out, all three of the legislators profiled here should be better and should be ranked higher, making their performances so far disappointing, at least to me.
Announcing the 62 Project

Announcing the 62 Project

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I am El Somnambulo, and I'm a listaholic. Today I announce The 62 Project, which will ultimately yield my rankings of legislators from 1 to 62. However, I intend for it to be much more than just a list. I will write a selective bio, some brief, some lengthy, on each state legislator. I want to give people who don't really know the legislators that well the opportunity to know them better. For better or worse. I also don't want this to be just a snarkfest, although, to put it mildly, THERE WILL BE SNARK. Lots of it. Hey, can't help myself. So, how have I ranked the legislators?
DelDem Was Right. Why Biden’s on the Sidelines

DelDem Was Right. Why Biden’s on the Sidelines

3 Comments
According to Politico, it's because Harry Reid wants him there. Doesn't want him giving any more stuff away to the Rethugs:
“None of the deals Biden has struck have aged well from the perspective of the Democratic Caucus,” said one Senate Democratic official aware of Reid’s face-to-face insistence that Biden be excluded. "In December, McConnell went around Reid — and straight to Biden — to get a better arrangement for Republicans.
Carney Misses Chance for Bipartisanship

Carney Misses Chance for Bipartisanship

1 Comment
When it comes to John Carney's cherished bipartisanship vs. the obligation to do the job he was elected to do, John Carney has chosen...neither. According to this article, 162 members of the U. S. House of Representatives have called for a debate in Congress prior to any authorization of attacking Syria. 62 Democrats are among those signing the letters to call for such action. John Carney is not among them.
Before You Hoist That Next Black & Tan…

Before You Hoist That Next Black & Tan…

23 Comments
You need to know about Dick Yuengling's public statements about labor unions and Gov. Corbett of Pennsylvania. Go ahead and read it, I'll wait. Until now, I've neither known nor cared about Yuengling's politics. I have enjoyed the occasional Black and Tan. However, it was Dick Yuengling, not anyone else, who made his views public. He did it on purpose.  In a speech before the Pennsylvania Press Club, Yuengling reportedly called for the adoption of 'right to work' laws in Pennsylvania to disenfranchise unions and to enable him to make beer more cheaply. He also called Gov. Corbett 'a great man', according to the Associated Press.