Crystal Ball: Denn takes early lead in the 2016 Governor’s Race; Biden’s Future

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So it seems the supporters of both State Treasurer Chip Flowers and Lt. Governor Matt Denn got a workout yesterday and today. Both camps took turns voting early and often. At the end of the poll, after 24 hours, it's Matt Denn with 53% to Flowers' 43%. It looks like we will have another competitive Democratic primary in four years, although a lot can happen between now and then. This got me to thinking: what are Beau Biden's future plans?

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Weds., June 13, 2012

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Internet gambling’s almost here. Guess it beats turning people upside down and shaking the coins into the seat cushions. And what would an internet gambling bill without even more sops to the racino industry? Hey, at least it’s a reverse-Robin Hood where the rich at worst don’t get their taxes increased and at best they get more blood money from the degenerates. HB 333(Viola) passed the House yesterday by a vote of 29 Y, 8 N, 4 Not Voting. There are no ideological lessons to be learned from the roll call, as supporters and opponents came from all political stripes. Did I mention even more sops to the racino industry? Yep, more $$’s for thoroughbred and harness purses. Oh, and something to do with waiving racinos’ licensing fees for slot machines.

Kovach’s Hesitation

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In our latest unscientific tracking poll, Congressman John Carney (D) leads Republican Tom Kovach, 50% to 28%. But a sizeable chuck - 18% - voted Neither. Now, the question is, are these Rose Izzo voters or Democrats disenchanted with Carney's Carper-Junior schtick? I think its the latter, as I doubt Rose Izzo will make much of an impact in her primary with Kovach. By the way, has Tom Kovach filed yet? I just checked and he has not. July 10 is coming up. Very soon. What is he waiting for? Perhaps he has, or is in the process of, changing his mind.

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., June 12, 2012

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The payday loan bill passed the Senate and the Governor says that he will sign it! No amendments, and only one no vote (Mike Katz, whose actions get more inscrutable by the day). Congratulations to sponsor Helene Keeley, Paul Calistro, and to a dedicated and politically-savvy group of supporters. If you contacted your elected officials on this bill, consider yourselves congratulated as well. No, the bill doesn't have everything supporters would have liked in it, but it's a major improvement, and it's more than I thought would get through this General Assembly. A rare victory for progressivism in Dover. Savor it.

Sign Wars Update: Lopez 1 – Urquhart 1

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The 1's above are not points. They are the total number of yard signs I saw on a recent trip from Rehoboth to Lewes and back. I don't know if the campaign hasn't really kicked in, or if this is just going to be a low spending primary, but as of now nobody is bolting out to the lead in terms of yard signs.

Delaware Democratic Convention Open Thread

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The convention is taking place right now in Dover. The convention has already brought us some the surprising news of Mitch Crane's endorsement. The rest of the convention will be devoted to selecting delegates to the National Convention in Charlotte later this summer. Then tonight, the Jeffereson-Jackson Dinner will be held, with Newark Mayor Cory Booker giving the keynote speech. Please use this thread for any more news, and as your open thread for the day.