Delaware Democrats Eat Their Own

Watching Delaware Democrats go after each other during primary time is amazing to watch in real time.  It’s like watching piranha at feeding time.  They eviscerate each other.  But then when the primary is over, they stand behind the selected candidate with unswayable loyalty, for the most part.  I don’t see this as much with Delaware Republicans, but then again they seem to be more careful about having too many candidates in any given race.  I disagreed with a letter sent out by the Delaware Democrat Party Chair, John Daniello, a couple of months ago.  This letter asked candidates to consider why they were truly running.  This angered many candidates and their supporters, but after seeing some of the stuff I’ve seen, I can see where he was coming from.

This is the kind of stuff that creates decades-long resentments.  It can’t be good for the party.  I try not to get into political conversation too much unless it relates to education in some way.  But watching legislators who are usually close allies go against each other over which candidate is best is not good in the long-term.  I respect their right to back a candidate, but some of them are relentless.  We all do it in one way or another.  Party loyalty is only there when it suits someone.  The election process has to be the most cutthroat system out there.  And it’s usually not the candidates themselves who are doing it but their supporters.

In eight days, the playing field will be leveled.  And then we see the opposite: party supporters going after the other party.  I expect this to be a whirlwind next couple of months.  Things are likely to get ugly.  What is always unreal is watching those who blast a primary candidate but when that candidate wins they become the best thing since sliced bread.

I will come out with more endorsements, playing right along with this crazy election season.  I’ll talk about why I don’t think so and so is a good candidate or why that person is better.  I’ll go to some of the debates and hopefully get to ask a question or two.  I’m sure there will be some huge controversy around a candidate or eight.  It’s what we do in Delaware.  We eat each other alive and then wonder why nothing ever gets done in the state.  As I’ve said before, I don’t swear absolute fealty to either party.  I’m an issues guy, not a one or the other guy.

If I have a beef with a candidate, I will give a long and detailed explanation as to why and back it up with reference material.

Just my thoughts on what I’m seeing out there… Kevin

Will Jack Markell Run For Congress?

This is the question that doesn’t seem to be on anybody’s mind, but it should be.  It also makes all those letters going out to Democrat Primary Candidates in Delaware much easier to understand.  Delaware Senator Bryan Townsend started the letter reveals today, and it was quickly revealed all the primary candidates got them.  Sounds like a Chair of the Democrat party going rogue, right?  Or maybe not.  Why would Bryon Short drop out of the race months ago?  He was endorsed by half the House Democrats and Governor Jack Markell last year.  Sure, Townsend may have been racking up the campaign contributions, but Short seemed to have the political edge for the race.  But he dropped out, all of a sudden to the shock of many.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is running for President.  To say she is the front-runner would be a bit of a misnomer.  But a strong rumor in Delaware was that Jack really wanted to be her Secretary of Education.  Like really, really bad.  But if there is a chance she might not win, what’s a Jack to do?  How about jumping into the race for John Carney’s seat in Congress?  It keeps him in politics, it is still a lofty position, and he doesn’t have to pull a Murphy and go work for one of those dime-a-dozen education companies.  We will know by July 12th if has any intentions.  But given the fact that a) Bryon Short dropped out, b) all the candidates got their “think about it and drop out if you can” letters, c) the one to the Congressional candidates specifically says the words “like Bryon Short”, and d) it would be Jack’s logical next move if he isn’t sure the Hillster can pull it off.

Daniello’s letter ticked off a lot of candidates.  Enough to cause self-doubt and angst?  Probably not.  But it does set up the chess board for Jack to enter, pissing off a lot of people in the Democrat party.  Especially folks like Townsend.  This wouldn’t be the first time Jack did something like this.  Those who remember, Carney was the favorite in 2008 for Governor, until Jack went against the party and entered the race.  But I hope the outcome is different should he choose to run.  I would love to see Jack in a primary… and lose!  I’m sure the DOE will have some openings by then!

Delaware Senator Bryan Townsend Gets Drop Out Of Race Letter… From His Own Party!!!!

Delaware Senator Bryan Townsend, considered by the News Journal to be the front-runner for the Delaware United States Representative seat in Congress, received a disturbing letter from the Chair of the Delaware Democrat Party today.  Chair John Daniello urged Townsend to drop out of the race.  The day after Hillary Clinton was the spotlight of controversy concerning her emails.  Even though the FBI is not recommending charges against her, it put a huge spotlight on the situation and put Hillary in a bad light.  What does this have to do with the letter Townsend received today?  Probably nothing.  I would just look at the banner!

And Townsend issued the following message to his followers on Facebook: