In less than four weeks, Delawareans will hit the polls to vote in the primary election. Meanwhile, candidates are starting to draw blood from their opponents. The past week has seen more insanity than I’ve seen in, well, two years!
First off, the whole sign thing… don’t steal, mangle, or draw graffiti on campaign signs. It is petty and stupid. Is it really worth getting arrested if you don’t like someone? If you want to, sure, do it. But it can’t be worth the time and money. Write a letter to the editor. Rant on Facebook. But don’t mess with campaign signs! I saw someone’s sign the other day and it looked like it fell. It was a big sign. I could have fixed it but instead I called the candidate and let them know. The last thing I need is a state trooper driving by as I’m trying to fix a sign. Because it could easily look like I’m messing with it.
Don’t go looking on Delaware Court Connect to find old financial stuff on candidates. Not everyone is wealthy. Not everyone is immune to financial hardship in their lives. And it may not always be accurate. Or perhaps some disputed something at some point. I don’t mind candidates having financial issues at some point in their lives. It shows they understand the issues many Delawareans face! Delaware State News did this with a candidate in Kent County the other day but when people cried foul they took it down.
In the coming days, you will hear people talking about the 30 day primary campaign finance reports. These show how much the candidates have raised in donations and how much they have spent. Some folks automatically assume that those with the most money will win. That isn’t always the case. Even if someone has over $100,000 in their war chest, it only means they know how to target people with money. Money talks but so does qualifications. I’m talking to you Mrs. Rehoboth! A guy named Jesus didn’t get to be who he became by getting money from those who have it. He hung out with the poor and downtrodden. Now he is a household name!
These are the days where Facebook becomes a war of words. Screenshots are gold for opponents! You will see pictures of candidates doing selfies with babies and baby kangaroos! Any shot of a candidate with another elected official seems to carry some kind of special meaning. Once again, that doesn’t mean squat. It means you are good at taking pictures.
Citizens of Delaware- know your candidates! Seek them out! Ask them questions! Don’t believe everything their opponent says. See their websites or Facebook pages. But most important, vote on September 6th! Vote with a clear conscience. That is your constitutional right. If they have a forum, go to it.
If you support a candidate, give them as much time and devotion that you have available. Help them door-knock and canvas. March with them in a parade. Engage with them. For incumbent legislators facing a primary vote, look at their FULL record.
The Season Of Myths 