Posted on 02/27/2010 4:10:55 AM PST by Palmetto Patriot
U.S. Rep. William Delahunt blew nearly $560,000 in campaign cash last year - much of it on lavish meals and a family-friendly payroll that includes his ex-wife, son-in-law and daughter - stoking speculation the Quincy Democrat is emptying his war chest and won’t seek re-election.
-snip-
Delahunt told the Herald last week that he was still weighing whether to seek re-election, but Democratic Party sources have privately indicated his departure is anticipated - and expected to draw a host of candidates-in-waiting out of the woodwork.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bostonherald.com ...
Another opportunity for a House seat.
Delahunt began his corrupt career because of 1 judge
who overturned the voters.
HOW DNC is that?
That little matter of Amy Bishop will assure Delahunt’s departure.
As of now, I think Perry is the best guy to fall-in behind. Heldund’s personal adventures personal adventures are enough to make him a really flawed candidate.
As an aside, Perry also has a little military experience (very little), which makes him awfully unusual for a Mass GOP candidate.
Are their any strong candidates looking to take the seat from the Dems?
Agreed. He knew he was facing an uphill battle to begin with seeing how Brown carried his district last month.
There are plenty of ways you can hurt a man and bring him to the ground
You can beat him, you can cheat him
You can treat him bad and leave him when he’s down
But I’m ready, yes I’m ready for you
I’m standing on my own two feet
Out of the doorway the bullets rip, repeating the sound of the beat. Oh yeeeah
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone
And another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
Following from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Delahunt
1996 Congressional election
Delahunt was first elected after a primary battle against Phil Johnston of Marshfield and Ian Bowles of Woods Hole. Johnston was initially declared the winner. A recount conducted in a handful of contested towns preserved Johnston’s victory though by a narrower margin. Following the recount, Delahunt sought judicial review in the Massachusetts Superior Court and Judge Elizabeth Donvan conducted a de novo review of the contested ballots and declared Delahunt the victor by a 108-vote margin. The case appealed to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which upheld the lower court ruling. The case is also noteworthy for the issue of “hanging chads” in punch-card voting machines.
In November 2005, he met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and engineered a deal in which Venezuela would supply winter home heating oil at a 40 percent price reduction to thousands of low-income Massachusetts residents. The deal was carried out via the Venezuelan owned Citgo, and brought accusations that Delahunt was assisting an anti-American leader.
He has been a consistent opponent of the war in Iraq.
During a June 26, 2008 hearing, Delahunt pressed David Addington, chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney, regarding harsh interrogation techniques, including waterboarding. Addington commented that he could not give specifics, speculating that al Qaeda might watch C-SPAN. Delahunt sparked outrage when he said, “Well, I’m sure they are watching, and I’m glad they finally have the chance to see you, Mr. Addington,” to which Addington replied “Yeah, I’m sure you’re pleased.” The remarks were quickly condemned by Cheney’s office as well as Representative Steve King as inappropriate and as an incitement of violence by al Qaeda against Addington.
In February 2010, questions were raised about how Delahunt and the Norfolk County D.A.’s office had handled the case of Amy Bishop. Bishop was arrested in Huntsville, Alabama, after shooting six co-workers at the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Reports linked Bishop to the shooting death of her brother in Braintree in 1986. At the time no criminal charges were brought against Ms. Bishop.
While Congress is in session, Delahunt lives in a rented house with fellow Democratic politicians George Miller, Chuck Schumer, and Richard Durbin. (Isn’t that a delightful quartet; perhaps Delahunt can influence their departure as well)
Bad sign for House Dems. What must those in marginal districts be thinking if Delahunt is pulling out?
Ike Skelton of MO and Collin Peterson of MN are already changing their tune on EPA regulations:
Ms Nancy may be losing support for her radical agenda. Is that why we haven’t seen reconciliation yet?
Good. Let’s hope he spends all his money.
I'm surprised by that. For many decades most Massachusetts voters did not seem to mind that their elected officials killed people.
Good quote and memorable tagline.
After all these decades, the enablers and suckups for Kennedys will be meeting their Maker and have the opportunity to learn their eternal fate.
One wonders why these people spend vast amounts of money to get into an office that pays far less than what they spend to get into it. Is it power? Is it the perks - the lifelong benefits? Is it the power that continues even when they leave office - their (paid) influence with lawmakers? Is is that every word that falls from their golden mouths is worth thousands - speeches, memoirs, books?
Interesting. I had no idea that the Bush/Gore recount of 2000 and WA governor (Gregoire/Rossi) recount of 2004, and Frankin/Coleman recount of 2008 had its historical roots traced back to MA in 1996.
Was the Delahunt race the first (or one of the first) of the Dems’ recount practices?
Wow - they’re been doing this for over 14 years. Probably longer, right? No wonder they’re getting so good at stealing elections.
Delahunt announces retirement. http://mobile.boston.com/art/36/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2010/03/delahunt_will_n?single=1
This is AWESOME!!!
Herald reporting it as well:
The only downside here is the same with the Patches seat, with a troubled Dem incumbent standing aside, it helps the Dems more in holding the seat.
Great news!
More for House Dems to consider as they make their decisions re: Health Care.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.