Governor Markell’s State of the State Address

Governor Markell’s State of the State Address

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We didn't get to talk about this on Thursday when he delivered this address, but I hope you all had a chance to see it or to read it (there is a video of the address as well as a transcript of the speech at the link). The Governor choose the theme of Unleashing the Potential in Every Delawarean, which is certainly an excellent launching point to get to job, school, infrastructure investment as well as revitalization opportunities for Delaware downtowns. Here's a summary of the major points from a recent press release from the Governor's office:
Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 18-24, 2014

Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 18-24, 2014

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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

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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

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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.
General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 16, 2014

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 16, 2014

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Well, one day in, and already one of my predictions has gone down in flames. (Or is it 'up in flames'?) Thought it would be easy for the Senate to resurrect HB 88(Barbieri),   which would establish procedures to try and keep guns out of the hands of the dangerously mentally-ill. We weren't talking about passing the bill, we were just talking about restoring the bill to the Senate calendar. However, this signature initiative of Attorney General Beau Biden went nowhere on Tuesday, likely prompted by the notable absence of Beau Biden.  From the News-Journal story:
Senate Minority Leader Gary Simpson, R-Milford, said he expected Biden to be in Legislative Hall to make his case.  “If this bill is that important, I would think the attorney general would be present to debate it,” Simpson said. “He should be on the job and seen and heard from, rather than his staff speaking in his name.” Biden’s chief of staff, Timothy Mullaney, said Biden spent his day in meetings to discuss violence in Wilmington. Biden was not available for interviews to discuss a new Wilmington crime plan announced by Mayor Dennis Williams. Joe Rogalsky, who leads legislative efforts for Biden, said the attorney general would not give up on the gun-control issue.
Simpson's right, you know. Perhaps a little cruel, but right. Were Biden up to the task, he would have been in Legislative Hall. It's not a long drive from Wilmington. However, it proved to be a Route Too Far to revive his signature bill. You do the math.
Dog Bites Man: Carper AWOL on Climate Action

Dog Bites Man: Carper AWOL on Climate Action

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Hey, didja know that 17 United States senators have formed a working coalition on climate action? Didja know that these senators are members of the two  Senate committees best positioned to have an impact on climate action? Didja know that Tom Carper is a member of one of those committees? I think you can see where this is going....
Delaware General Assembly Pre-Game Show: Tues., January 14, 2014

Delaware General Assembly Pre-Game Show: Tues., January 14, 2014

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The 2nd Session of the 147th General Assembly begins today. For newbies, or for those who forget easily, here's what you need to know.  Each legislative term lasts two years, from election to election. The 147th General Assembly runs until Election Day. Since this is the second year of the Assembly, all legislation that was in play on July 1, 2013 remains in play today. Of course, that doesn't even consider new bills, new nominees, new controversy and, of course, new snark from Yours Truly. The General Assembly meets for three weeks in January, breaks for six weeks for Joint Finance Committee hearings until mid-March, meets until Easter, breaks for two weeks, meets until around Memorial Day, breaks for two weeks (this is usually when the fiscal bills are finalized), and then meets until the early hours of July 1. But that's getting ahead of ourselves. This can and should be a busy and productive January session. It WILL be a contentious session. Here's just some of the stuff that likely will be considered during January....:
The 62 Project: #’s 22 & 40

The 62 Project: #’s 22 & 40

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Ennis took the time-honored (or dishonored) route to the General Assembly. Retired state trooper straight to Leg Hall. His temperament, though, is different than others who have made the same trek. He's not aggressive, he's very friendly, does his homework, and maintains close ties to his constituents. He is in his Dover office almost every day, and he's always meeting with constituents.  Not those with the most money, I might point out.  You might not think he's all that smart when you first meet him, but he uses that to his advantage. He's a lot smarter, and more politically canny, than he seems. Meanwhile, Stephanie Bolden isn't terrible, but she appears disinterested in, you know, legislating. One would hope that a district like hers would be served by someone more interested in their constituents' problems than her own resume. She generally votes the 'right' way, but then so would anybody who represents this overwhelmingly Democratic and under-served district. I'd normally say that the district deserves better. But the voters sent the Plants back to Dover for something like 33 years. So maybe the 2nd RD deserves Stephanie Bolden.