California’s “Yes Means Yes” Bill

California’s “Yes Means Yes” Bill

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The California state senate unanimously approved a bill on Thursday that defines when “yes” means “yes” to sex. Instead of “no means no” – the phrase commonly associated with sexual assault prevention – the law would require “affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement” by each party to engage in sexual activity. If Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signs the bill into law – he has until the end of September – colleges and universities would have to adopt the so-called affirmative consent standard to continue receiving state funds for student financial aid. Under the proposed standard, the fact that a person didn’t say “no” is no defense in a campus sexual assault investigation.
Vance Phillips Crashes Gaffney Interview with 5th RD Opponent

Vance Phillips Crashes Gaffney Interview with 5th RD Opponent

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OMG - please podcast this...
Radio talk show host Dan Gaffney called a segment of his Aug. 28 morning show “damned odd,” while Republicans locked in a primary battle for the Sussex County 5th District council seat called the show "crazy" and "surreal." Call it what you want – bad timing, miscommunication or a calculated election-year ploy – an exchange on a local radio talk show has ignited swirling controversy. During the segment, the two Republican candidates running for the District 5 seat both used up airtime. According to Gaffney, one of the two – incumbent Vance Phillips of Laurel – was not invited during that time slot. About half way through a scheduled interview and call-in session with Republican challenger Rob Arlett of Frankford, Phillips entered the studio and put on headphones.
Delaware 2014: The House [Pre-Primary]

Delaware 2014: The House [Pre-Primary]

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Here is my pre-primary look at the state of play in the State House of Representatives. The Democrats currently hold the majority of 27 to 14. The Republicans are looking to make inroads into that margin, and they will. But do the Dems have pickup opportunities of their own?
It’s Over

It’s Over

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Apparently, that 3:45 pm meeting between Elaine Manlove and Treasurer Flowers was quick. Amy Cherry of WDEL is up with the following story that Flowers' withdrawal from the state treasurer's race is effective IMMEDIATELY.
Flowers tells WDEL he spoke to state Elections Commissioner Elaine Manlove and made the the decision final, ending speculation that he might re-enter the race. The announcement comes two weeks after Flowers, through tears, said he would be moving to Massachusetts, and politics would be his past, in the wake of a harassment accusation from ex-deputy treasurer Erika Benner.
Thursday Open Thread [8.28.14]

Thursday Open Thread [8.28.14]

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Two conservative groups commissioned a poll and found that women think that the GOP is "intolerant". Ya think? YA THINK???
The report found that women think the GOP is "intolerant" and "stuck in the past," and that women are "barely receptive" to Republican policies. Women think Republicans "fail to speak to women in the different circumstances in which they live." “This lack of understanding and acknowledgment closes many minds to Republican policy solutions,” the report reads, according to Politico.
Rick Jensen’s Critque of Simpler Echoes Teabag Critique of “The Establishment”

Rick Jensen’s Critque of Simpler Echoes Teabag Critique of “The Establishment”

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This is from Sher Valenzuela so it may be pure fantasy (like her claims to love smaller government while building a business on government contracts). Anyway... If it is true, it strikes me that Jensen here channels the lizard brain of teabagist everywhere who value robust and angry simplicity over doughy thoughtfulness.
WDEL’s Rick Jensen Rips Simpler Debate Performance: Weak, Awkward and Creepy WDEL political talk show host Rick Jensen has leveled devastating criticism toward Ken Simpler and his performance in the recent WDEL Treasurer debate. Jensen described the performance at times as “weak,” “awkward” and “creepy.” Speaking live last week on his daily radio show, Jensen said Simpler’s opponent, Sher Valenzuela, was “strong, tough and every time Simpler took a swing at her, she blocked it and hit him real hard in the face.” Jensen concluded that he “didn’t think [Simpler] is very good at this debate stuff.”
Why Won’t Sher Valenzuela Debate?

Why Won’t Sher Valenzuela Debate?

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This might not be a real debate, but the GOP candidates are gathering on stage in Dover on Thursday to be able to talk about their positions (no way am I calling them ideas) and field questions. Kevin Wade, Carl Smink and Ken Simpler have agreed to go, but Sher Valenzuela?
Meanwhile, treasurer candidate Sher Valenzuela has opted out of the event, with her campaign telling state GOP officials she would not feel comfortable.