Delaware

St. Patrick’s Day Daily Delawhere [3.17.12]

Filed in Delaware by Delaware Dem on March 17, 2012 • 4 Comments

Are We Asking The Right Questions About Education?

Filed in Delaware, National by pandora on March 16, 2012 • 64 Comments

For those of you sick of my education posts, feel free to move on! Truthfully, I had no intention of writing about education today, but then I stumbled across this Daily Kos diary, entitled: Charter Schools Not the Answer, Especially if We Fail to Identify the Question. Go read the whole thing!

Delaware Liberal Tracking Poll Results — Senate Majority Leader Patti Blevins (D)

Filed in Delaware by Delaware Dem on March 16, 2012 • 9 Comments

Senate Majority Leader Patti Blevins has her supporters and detractors, much like Senator Deluca. She has a 53% disapproval rating, and a 43% approval rating. 4% are undecided. I wonder how much of the disapproval is geniunely earned versus Blevins being tainted by her association with Deluca. I know El Som will say it is earned, and he is not a fan. I will open it up to our readers. Why did you disapprove of Senator Blevins?

Friday Daily Delawhere [3.16.12]

Filed in Delaware by Delaware Dem on March 16, 2012 • 7 Comments

DOE Delays Newark Charter School Vote

Filed in Delaware by pandora on March 15, 2012 • 22 Comments

Seems like the ACLU letter slowed things down for now. Nichole Dobo has the info.

Delaware Liberal Tracking Poll Results — Gary Simpson (R)

Filed in Delaware by Delaware Dem on March 15, 2012 • 3 Comments

Gary Simpson is so unknown that people didn’t bother to vote in the poll. Of the 36 people who did, 25% did so to say they don’t know or are unsure about Gary Simpson. Another 44% view him unfavorably, probably because he has an R after his name. 31% view him favorably. With only 7 members, it is hard for the Republican caucus in the Senate, or its leader, to get noticed.

Thursday Daily Delawhere [3.15.12]

Filed in Delaware by Delaware Dem on March 15, 2012 • 4 Comments

The Delaware DREAM Act Introduced Today

Filed in Delaware by cassandra_m on March 14, 2012 • 39 Comments

This is very positive news — Senator Robert Marshall and Rep. Helene Keeley (or Rep Joe Miro according to the NJ) are the lead sponsors on a bill announced today at the LACC that would allow undocumented children to qualify for in-state college tuition rates and scholarships. If it gets passed, Delaware would be the 12th state that would level the playing field for these children.

Jack on the Drums

Filed in Delaware by Delaware Dem on March 14, 2012 • 0 Comments

ACLU Weighs In On Newark Charter School

Filed in Delaware by pandora on March 14, 2012 • 11 Comments

The ACLU sends a letter to Secretary Lowery and Governor Markell. Check inside for the full letter. In the past I’ve been on the fence with Charter Schools, but my opinion is changing – mainly due to their admission policies, the way they can disinvite students, and, in the case of NCS, the way they can shape their population by not having a cafeteria, thereby eliminating a Free and Reduced Lunch program. Which leads me to ask… Are Charter Schools really public schools? Other than public funding and having to provide their own space (for now), how are Charter Schools comparable to public schools. The more I learn the more I think that Charters have more in common with Private Schools. Are Charter Schools really publicly funded private schools?

The Delaware House [2012]

Filed in Delaware by Delaware Dem on March 14, 2012 • 0 Comments

After yesterday’s expected but still game changing and shocking retirement of Senator George Bunting downstate, it is obviously time to update our 62 District Strategy charts. Some more candidates have officially filed, but you will be surprised at how many districts still have no filed candidates, including those with incumbents who everyone expects to run for reelection. That is not unusual, especially if they have no declared opposition. Some, in that scenario, wait until the last possible minute (which is July 10, the filing deadline).

Due to the 2010 Census, and the resulting redrawing of all of the House and Senate districts, all of the seats in the General Assembly are up for election this year. All 21 Senators. All 41 Representatives. Kent and Sussex Counties have each gained a House seat, and Sussex County gains a Senate seat. In this post, we are going to address the House first. Click through to see the House map and charts and my estimation on how the races are shaping up.

Delaware Liberal Tracking Poll Results — Tony Deluca

Filed in Delaware by Delaware Dem on March 14, 2012 • 0 Comments

To be fair, Tony Deluca has his supporters. John Daniello and those who make up the party appartus adore him. And to be fair, where did a lot of the progressive legislation that was pasted in 2009, 2010 and 2011 originate? The Senate. In large part, Deluca has kept the desk drawer shut whereas his predecessor used it with glee. And as a result, Deluca has support among a lot of the party faithful. It explains why 44% approval rating, 39% of which strongly approve of his performance. Then you flip the coin that is Deluca and you get the other side. The double dipping. The federal investigation. The arrogance. The vindictive leadership. The redistricting fiasco. Which is why 56% disapprove of his performance, 52% strongly.