El Somnambulo's Latest Posts
General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Weds., March 14, 2012
The House unanimously passed HB 245(Heffernan), which essentially eliminates the ‘R’ word from the Delaware Code. Those of who missed the Al Mascitti Show with yours truly missed a strong disagreement on this issue between us. I was all for the bill, and pointed out that, in many ways, children are ahead of adults now when it comes to respect for their peers who might have unique challenges. Al thought, and I’m paraphrasing here, and I’m not good at paraphrasing, that it was part of some Liberal Groupthink thingy. If you’re not listening from 10-12 every Tuesday morning, you’re missing some damned lively radio.
Delaware General Assembly Pre-Game Show: Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The overriding question of the day is: Will the issue of John Atkins’ behavior surface in today’s House Majority Caucus meeting? I spoke to two caucus members in the last few days, and got two distinctly different opinions about what would happen. Neither, to put it mildly, is a strong supporter of John Atkins. One expressed pessimism that the rank-and-file would have the opportunity to weigh in on the issue, and told me that they expected leadership to back Atkins. The other told me that Speaker Gilligan is really angry over Atkins’ behavior, and that they expected a frank discussion of what should be done.
Delaware Political Weekly: March 3-9, 2012
I know a lot of party political types enjoy this site and/or at least tolerate it b/c we do bring something to the table. If you are one of those types, and have not yet had the opportunity to hear our interview with Bryan Townsend, please avail yourself of the opportunity. He is running a serious campaign, has been attending civic association meetings for over six months, and has a real chance to defeat incumbent Sen. Tony DeLuca. That would be, to put it mildly, a huge upgrade, and would put ethically-challenged politicians throughout the state on notice that it’s not back-room business as usual. Plus, just listen to the interview. Wouldn’t you want someone like Townsend as your State Senator?
‘Law-Abiding’ Rep. John Atkins Reverts to Form
Pulled over for speeding, then lying about the consequences. Someone should ask Pete Schwartzkopf whether enabling this chronic miscreant is worth it. Wait a minute, I’m asking that question. But first, the latest antics from Sussex County’s ‘Bad Boy’. The News-Journal’s (buy it to read the story) Maureen Milford reports that, after being stopped for speeding on his way to Dover, and being let off with a warning….
Delaware Political Weekly: February 18-24, 2012
Chris lost in his first run two years ago, but the district has added some areas that voted heavily for Mike Katz. Counihan has been a strong supporter of Mitch Crane and a strong advocate for marriage equality. As many of you know, Cathy Cloutier has twice ducked chances to make a big difference on behalf of equal rights for all Delawareans. It is time she was held accountable. Here is the smoking gun. Remember that, Brandywine Hundred equal rights supporters, the next time that Cloutier bats her eyes and tries to convince you that she’s reallyreally on your side. When the chips were down, she was nowhere to be found. Not once, but twice. And don’t get complacent, Dori Connor. We’re coming after you as well. Lip service just doesn’t cut it any more.
Tony DeLuca Makes the Laws. Tony DeLuca Makes Up the Laws.
Tony DeLuca is an Inconvenient Truth to both Gov. Jack Markell and Attorney General Beau Biden. Not only is he serving illegally as President Pro-Tempore, he is both making the laws as a legislator and he is also making up the laws as the Chief Labor Law Enforcement Officer for the Department of Labor.
Delaware Political Weekly-Feb. 11-17, 2012
Richard D. Krett. President of AFSCME Local 3109; the Assistant Chief with the Emergency Medical Services Division of County Department of Public Safety; and former President of the Good-Will Fire Company in the New Castle area. Krett frequently serves as a spokesperson for the county paramedics, and is quoted in the paper, usually following some accident or incident. There, of course, is a history of animus between Clark and many county employees over proposed cuts, hiring freezes, and the like. On the face of it, Krett seems like a credible challenger. Seeing as how I, and no doubt thousands of others, have no intention of voting for Clark in a primary, Krett at least has the opportunity to convince voters that he is a viable alternative. Hmmm, now that I think about, I’m pretty sure I met Mr. Krett while working on issues surrounding a proposed baseball complex near Shipley Road. Krett was essential in providing assistance on the issue of ambulance/fire ingress/egress to the complex. I recall him as being professional, prompt and helpful. Hey, we just might have something here…
Delaware Political Weekly: February 4-10, 2012
Missed this one last week, but someone named Ben Mobley, who is running for Insurance Commissioner on the R side, failed to file his campaign finance report. Celia Cohen, who still covers Rethug politics, at least New Castle County-style, has what passes for the story here. BTW, Mobley is an ‘investment advisor’ at Morgan Stanley. Don’t they have to know some legal thingies? Maybe it’s other legal thingies… Doesn’t matter. He will not be our next IC. But, if you can stomach it, here is Ben Mobley with an ever-smarmier Charlie ‘Bouvier de Flandres’ Copeland channeling his inner Mitt Romney. FWIW, I like Mobley a lot better in this clip than Copeland. Just look at the studied casualness of Copeland’s attire.
Music I Like: Part of a Continuing Series
Allow me to (self-)indulge you with my first new roundup of 2012. I missed this last year, would’ve easily been in my Top 10, especially appropriate after today’s ‘settlement’: Ry Cooder: ‘No Banker Left Behind.’ Other videos: Michael Kiwanuka: ‘I’m Getting Ready,’ Chuck Prophet: ‘White Night, Big City,’ Carolina Chocolate Drops: ‘Memphis Shakedown,’ Eilen Jewell & the Sacred Shakers: ’12 Gates to the City,’ and Reverend Gary Davis: ‘Death Don’t Have No Mercy’
Tom Wagner: First the Coverup. Now the Whitewash.
State Auditor Tom Wagner‘s successful coverup of possible, OK, likely, criminal behavior, on the part of former House Majority Leader Dick Cathcart is almost complete. But only if you let him and Cathcart get away with it.
Just in time for Super Bowl weekend, Wagner ‘dumped’ the long-awaited report that told us what we already knew. It actually told us less than we already knew, and the name missing from the report is ‘Cathcart’.
But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start from the beginning.
Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2012
Two new positions are open, but the names are old and…shopworn. With City Councilman Charles Potter running for Dennis P. Williams’ RD 1 seat, guess who has reemerged to seek Potter’s seat? I’ll give you a hint. He was once suspended from practicing law in the State of Delaware for 18 months. That’s right. Sam Guy. He’s ba-a-a-ck.
‘Bulo Now On Al’s Show Every Tuesday At 10 A. M.
That’s right. I’m now a regular! Al Mascitti and I will discuss the latest political and government goings-on every Tuesday at 10 a.m. on WDEL-Newsradio, 1150 on your AM dial. The Al Mascitti Show is on M-F, from 9 am to 12 noon. In addition to discussing the latest developments, including Bryan Townsend’s challenge to […]
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