Delaware Political Weekly: Feb. 22-28, 2014

Delaware Political Weekly: Feb. 22-28, 2014

49 Comments
Jonathan Gallo has filed to face Bobby Outten in the 30th RD. Gallo changed his registration from R to D to run and, if you check out his site  right now, you will not find the word Democrat, or the donkey, anywhere on the site. I mean, anywhere. He's got the classic bio, and he's a "man of dedication, integrity, and commitment, who early in his life felt a call to serve his community." Which means, he's a 'man of dedication, integrity, and commitment' who is hiding his party affiliation. He also rides a tractor standing up (picture). J. Kevin Robbins of Harrington, is challenging Harold Peterman in the conservative 33rd RD. Robbins is a long-time farmer and has the type of profile that could give him a shot in this district.  Here is his site.   Not only does he have the donkey there, he actually calls the Party the Democratic Party. Guess which one I prefer.
The 62 Project: #’s 21 and 41

The 62 Project: #’s 21 and 41

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When I started the 62 Project, I had Pete Schwartzkopf ranked 13th on my initial list. That was largely because I thought that he, as House Majority Leader, effectively pushed through key progressive bills, including civil unions. He also was able to get the at-the-time controversial 'revenue enhancement' package through a fractured House. This helped balance the budget during the early Markell years. He wasn't afraid to use legislative power to get things done. While I didn't always admire his tactics, I respected the results. The role of House Majority Leader requires tough tactics in tough times. However, as Speaker of the House, Schwartzkopf has governed as if he were still Majority Leader. Aided and abetted by an equally-enthusiastic, though far less skilled, arm-breaker, Valerie Longhurst. Pete not only handpicked Longhurst to be his successor, he insisted that they both be elected as a team or he would not serve as Speaker. Uh, I wonder if he'd be willing, or in any position, to make the same demand today. Put simply, Pete Schwartzkopf is in danger of being a one-term Speaker, and not because the D's are in any way facing the loss of the House chamber.
El Somnambulo Hosts Blues Bash This Saturday!!

El Somnambulo Hosts Blues Bash This Saturday!!

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Yes, this is shameless self-promotion. In one of my many other incarnations, I am Symphony Steve, and I am a volunteer producer with the Arden Concert Gild. I'm bringing in a killer blues/blues-rock show to the Arden Gild Hall this Saturday night at 8 p.m. The opener is the Mikey Junior Band. Mikey Jr. is an amazing harp (harmonica, for those of you who are not blues aficionados) player and showman. Originally from Trenton, Mikey is making a big name for himself regionally and nationally. He's made it to the finals of the International Blues Competition in Memphis. He always has a kicking band, and now he's got a new CD as well. Check him out for yourself inside...
Delaware Political (Almost) Weekly: Feb. 1-7, 2014

Delaware Political (Almost) Weekly: Feb. 1-7, 2014

6 Comments
While it's possible that, under the right circumstances. first-term D Rep. Trey Paradee could be vulnerable, his opponent doesn't appear to be much of a threat. R Peter Kramer has filed to challenge Paradee. Click here to learn a little more about Kramer.  "Keep More With Kramer". Presumably both money and 'personal freedoms'. For low-income voters, that's "Keep Poor With Kramer".  BTW, did any of you actually get a 'kindergarten diploma'? Or would you even remember it if you did? Kramer did, and he does. Or at least, says he does. Also, did you notice how his mission statement just...stops? Maybe he'll add more as he thinks of it. BTW, I notice that he didn't mention that the family company for which he works (J. S. Kramer Inc., a construction company) has gotten serious money from state and federal contracts for institutional construction. Guess that's money that he doesn't want given back to the taxpayers.  He's outraged about spending as long as spending that benefits the family business continues.  I can provide links if you need a sure cure for insomnia. I, for one, don't.
General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014

23 Comments
Brother, can you spare a dime a gallon for a $500 million boost to Delaware's economy? A jobs creator and a massive infrastructure upgrade? House Majority Leader Val Longhurst has already said she won't do it, regardless of the number of constituents in her district who will earn meaningful wages for their families. I hope she is in the minority. I hope that the unions who previously supported her are paying attention. With a gallon of gas well north of $3 a gallon, let's be honest here. That additional 10 cents should hardly be a deal-breaker. But we shall see. The General Assembly has a minimum of six weeks, starting at the end of today's session, to consider whether a $500 million boost to the state's economy is in the economic interests of the people who live and try to work here. It's all about the jobs, as far as I'm concerned. By far the biggest issue facing the General Assembly this term. Here is what happened in Dover since my last post. The Box Bill passed the House by a 31-8 margin. None of the no votes will surprise you.  The bill now goes to the Senate. The minimum wage hike bill got plenty of love from the Business Lapdog Committee this time, and made it to the floor. 6 favorable, one on its merits, and 3 unfavorable. Amazing what six months of reflection can do. Come inside for more...
General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., Jan. 28, 2014

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., Jan. 28, 2014

31 Comments
Well. That was quite an ambitious, and welcome, State of the State Address from Governor Markell last Thursday. There is no surer way to jump-start our state's economy and, not coincidentally, address long-postponed infrastructure deficiencies, than by proposing a massive capital upgrade.  Our roads and bridges need it. So do our workers.  I suspect that we will hear this week how Gov. Markell intends to pay for the proposed $500 million program. No doubt an increase in the gas tax will be one of the proposed revenue generators. I, for one, strongly support such an increase.  People have choices as to what kinds of vehicles they drive. If they want to drive massive gas-inhalers, that's their choice. If they opt to downsize, that's their choice. The fewer massive gas-inhalers out there, the less pollution gets emitted. Those with mass transit and/or car pool options would be more likely to consider them should gas prices rise. There would be fewer unnecessary trips if people really were concerned about higher gas prices. Less traffic, smaller vehicles, less pollution. Why not raise the gas tax to help pay for this engine of economic recovery?  There no doubt will be other revenue sources. I, of course want to see some equity restored to our tax code. But I'm completely on board with this proposal. Lotsa other good stuff in there as well, including specific job skills training for high school students, and an intense campaign to clean Delaware's waterways. The question is, will D's respond favorably to one of the best and only Democratic proposals from our D governor.  Here are two early reactions....
Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 18-24, 2014

Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 18-24, 2014

17 Comments
Marie Mayor has filed to run for the 20th RD seat currently held by the odious ex-state cop Steve Smyk. You may recall that Mayor ran a superb campaign, handily won a primary for the seat, and was poised to win until...a two-week blitz of fear and hatred stirred up the local yokels. Meanwhile, in the absence of any other breaking political news this week, I'd like you to predict what comes next politically for the following Delaware figures, especially considering that Gov. Markell is term-limited...
General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 23, 2014

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 23, 2014

6 Comments
Today's highlight, of course, will be Governor Jack Markell's State of the State Address. I, for one, want to hear whether the Governor has developed even the slightest empathy for those Delawareans who have been hurt by the increasing concentration of wealth that the Governor has helped to enable.  Something, anything, to provide hope to those who don't live in Greenville, and don't attend the same cocktail parties the Governor attends, and can't afford to. My prediction? Whether this week, or next week, when he introduces his proposed budget, those who have been screwed will be asked to make even more sacrifices. The wealthy will not. Maybe he'll prove me wrong. For once. All Senate and House committee meetings were canceled yesterday, and none were rescheduled for today. Many thanks to House and Senate staff who provided the public with today's agendas yesterday.
Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 11-17, 2014

Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 11-17, 2014

10 Comments
It's time to recognize the possibility, perhaps likelihood, that Beau Biden will not be able to run for reelection. I think it's pretty clear now that he's battling a serious health challenge He is virtually invisible in public. When he does venture out, people are concerned about what they see. There has been no official update on his condition since August. His spokesman routinely makes statements that Beau previously would have made, most recently on the failure of the Senate to muster up enough votes to restore Beau's signature legislation to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. I wish our AG a full recovery and a long productive life. However, someone will be elected Attorney General this November. If not Beau, then who? Matt Denn? Or some blinkered law and order type who only cares about talking tough on crime, not on protecting consumers and the public from getting ripped off? It's time we have this conversation. I know that there may be great comfort in imagining the Biden name on the AG line. But it's less likely to happen each passing day. Who will step up? Beau is the only one who can talk me down on this. Right now, he's not talking.
Steve Newton to Run For State Rep!

Steve Newton to Run For State Rep!

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A true friend of Delaware Liberal, Steve Newton, will run for the 22nd Representative District seat currently held by Republican Joe Miro. Miro, BTW, is one of those legislators who has basically retired, but never bothered to tell anybody. If any third party candidate has a real shot, Steve is at the top of the list. He is consistently one of the most thoughtful and on-point analysts of public policy in our state. Here is the press release in its entirety.. inside.....