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So, we're facing a Special Election for State Senate. The candidates, D Stephanie Hansen and R John Marino, have been chosen by their respective parties.  The election has been necessitated due to incumbent Bethany Hall Long's winning of the Lieutenant Governor spot.  She takes office later in January.  The date for the Special Election has not been set, and it's not clear whether  outgoing Gov. Markell or incoming Gov. Carney will set the date. Barring an unexpected flip, the winner of this seat will determine which Party controls the Senate.  The Republicans are motivated as they can end umpteen years of Democratic control of the State Senate. They will have no problem motivating their voters. The Democrats?  If you are a Democratic voter and aren't necessarily plugged into the party structure, what will impel you to come out to vote?  I know that some of the usual suspects on the blog are minimizing this concern, I think it's real and I think it's a major problem for the special.  Why should D's come out to support the D candidate other than out of some sense of duty? Unless...now hang with me for a minute. 

2016 marks the conclusion of the public life of State Senator Karen Peterson.  Karen Peterson has been the single most effective progressive official in Delaware throughout her career.  She has been invaluable in pushing progressive causes--everything from open government to gun safety to equal rights for all.  Not just pushing for progress, but achieving it. Over and over again.  She is smart, tough and politically savvy.  Oh, and relentless.  Come to think of it, forget about words like 'progressive' or ''liberal'.  To me, she defines what it once meant and still should mean to be a Democrat.  Standing up for what is right and just and standing up for people who don't have the power to purchase politicians with campaign contributions.  As I look for ways to have an impact moving forward, I'll try to take the lessons that Karen taught us and put them into action.  She is, after all, the Most Valuable Progressive I have known during my time in politics in Delaware. A role model for all of us. Starting now. OK, kids, time for the annual countdown of this year's MVP's.....