General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., June 5, 2014

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., June 5, 2014

4 Comments
Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf's gonna earn his money today.  Look for a l-o-o-o-o-ng party caucus for the House Majority. At a time when key legislation needs to be worked, and worked with some sense of urgency, The House D's will most likely feel forced to confront the (former GOP) elephant in the room.  John Atkins. I can't imagine that there will not be a serious mass of legislators outraged at his alleged actions. And, of course, this is far from the first time that the Caucus has had to address issues regarding Atkins. When you add to that the fact that Schwartzkopf personally vouched for Atkins and sold him to a skeptical caucus back in 2008 ('People can change'), and you've got a real messy situation on your hands. The guy was always kinda on probation to several caucus members, and I wonder if caucus members are willing to let that continue. Yes, I know, he has not been charged with anything and he deserves his day in court. I'm just looking at the dynamics of the caucus. After all, not even the Rethugs wanted him. Betcha a majority of D's don't, either.
News-Journal: Rep. Atkins Ordered to Stay Away From His Wife and Kids

News-Journal: Rep. Atkins Ordered to Stay Away From His Wife and Kids

89 Comments
No snark here. Just gotta hope for the safety of the wife and kids. Here are two key grafs from the News Journal story:
"“His temper is getting worse and I fear that if something is not done it will effect my safety,” Heather Atkins wrote in her petition for emergency protection. “I feel that he is not able to take the best interest of our children and put that first. I am afraid that the children are at risk due to his temper and erratic behavior.”
And this:
"Court documents show Atkins relinquished 17 firearms, most of them shotguns, to Millsboro police officers Monday evening after they took a court order requiring he do so to his home."
Election 2014: Delaware’s Most Vulnerable Incumbents

Election 2014: Delaware’s Most Vulnerable Incumbents

53 Comments
I'm El Somnambulo, and I'm a listaholic. Admit it: So are you. Bearing in mind that incumbents need viable challengers in order to be vulnerable, here is a list of those with at least reason to be worried: State Auditor Tom Wagner: A do-nothing R in an increasingly D state. Here's the problem. If a do-nothing R is replaced by a do-nothing D, does it really make any difference? No doubt it does to Tom Wagner. But not to Patrick Harker or Lonnie George. Which is my point. And the problem. State Treasurer Chip Flowers: While the R's talk hopefully, and, IMHO, delusionally, about defeating him, I suspect that any real challenge would come from the Democrats. We'll likely know in 6 months or so whether there will be a party-backed challenger. We might as well get used to Flowers being a polarizing figure by choice. Which would be fine if it was principle, not ego, driving that train. State Senator Greg Lavelle (4th SD): Got 50.8% against Michael Katz. Probably less vulnerable this time, but he's got two more years of anti-gay and pro-gun votes on his record. Will a credible challenger emerge? I know that people expect me to have Ernesto Lopez on this list, but I don't see him as particularly vulnerable. Feel free to make a case. More inside....

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., April 18, 2013

2 Comments
For all intents and purposes, it's a one-bill day in Dover. This bill. Can Dover legislators do what Washington legislators could or would not do? HB 35 would require criminal background checks for virtually all gun purchases in Delaware. The NRA, embodied and emboldened by its pigeon-killing mouthpiece, have whittled away at the bill, and still oppose it. Not a single R senator is on the bill as a sponsor. Which raises the question. Will they stand with the overwhelming majority of the people of Delaware, or will they march in lockstep with the leader that they have chosen to lead the Delaware Rethuglican Party?

General Assembly Pre-Game Show: Tuesday, April 16, 2013

22 Comments
Marriage equality is on the fast track. How fast? HB 75 (Smith) was introduced last week while the General Assembly was out of session, and will be considered in the House (House) Administration Committee this Wednesday, 2:30 pm, House Chamber. It is at least possible that the full House could consider the bill as early as this Thursday.  For those of you who have not yet checked, here are the sponsors and co-sponsors of HB 75: Prime Sponsor: M. Smith; Additional Sponsors: Rep. Schwartzkopf & Rep. Longhurst & Sen. Sokola & Sen. Blevins; Co-Sponsors: Reps. Barbieri, Baumbach, Bolden, Brady, Heffernan, Keeley, Kowalko, Mulrooney, Osienski, B. Short, Viola, D.E. Williams, K. Williams; Sens. Henry, McDowell, Peterson, Poore, Townsend. Thanks to each and every one of you. By my count, there are sixteen House members as sponsors. 21 votes are needed for passage. I know, or at least suspect, that there are silent commits from some below the Canal. However, there are a few notable absences, and I would encourage you to contact them if you are one of their constituents: Charles Potter, 1st RD: He has been a strong advocate for civil liberties, there are many marriage equality supporters in his north Wilmington district, but he has not yet taken a position; Deborah Hudson, 12th RD: She has generally been a moderate on social issues and, again, there are many marriage equality proponents in her Chateau Country district; John Mitchell, 13th RD: He was 'almost' Speaker, and he could wind up there someday...if he does the right thing; James 'J. J.' Johnson, 16th RD: He represents part of the City of Wilmington and has an overwhelmingly D majority district; Mike Ramone, 21st RD: It's possible that Ramone has already announced his support, as he has increasingly cast more and more progressive votes; Joe Miro, 22nd RD: This Pike Creek R has lots of marriage equality proponents in his district. Keep in mind that each of these representatives could well be 'gettable' on this vote. When you contact them, be positive. Encourage them to support HB 75. If they commit to supporting the bill, thank them and let them know that you have their backs. With some of the potential 'silent' commits,  HB 75 has a great chance to pass the House, perhaps with a strong mandate.