MONDAY NEWS UPDATE (GOP passes on Delaware Guv's Race)

Politics1.com ^ | March,31, 2008 | Ron Gunzburger

[Impy]

DELAWARE. Republicans have already conceded they will not field a viable candidate in the open gubernatorial contest. Governor Ruth Minner (D) is term-limited. Lieutenant Governor John Carney and State Treasurer Jack Markell will compete in a very hotly contested Democratic primary in September. On the GOP side, the only two candidates are airline pilot/frequent candidate Mike Protack and state employee/'04 candidate Dave Graham. All of the other big GOP names have announced they will not run, with State Representative Donna Stone (R) saying last week she was passing on the race because it would be impossible to financially compete against either Democrat. Stone is President of the National Council of State Legislators. Markell has raised over $2.5 million and Carney has collected $1 million. Stone told the Wilmington News-Journal that it would be "very difficult, very, very difficult" for any Delaware Republican to raise a similar amount of money. Retired Superior Court Judge/'04 nominee Bill Lee, corporate CEO Alan Levin, and State House Speaker Terry Spence also said they would pass on the race.........

[Impy]

Bush got 46% in ‘04 and the GOP still has the state house. And the RINO congressman is beloved.

[Theodore R.]

DE is just a CD south of PA — was once part of PA. It is odd that no one wants to list his name on the general election ballot for governor. Obama must be a favorite here in the fall, but McPain is the type of Republican who appeals to DE.

[MinnesotaLibertarian]

I thought Connecticut was the “Constitution State”?

[Gabz]

Then in a fit of conscience, tiny DE ratified the Constitution first and calls itself since “Constitution State”.

Actually it is the "First State" or the "Diamond State."

[Gabz]

It is odd that no one wants to list his name on the general election ballot for governor.

There are actually 2 names for the primary. The Dem Lt. Gov was considered heir apparent, but has got himself a serious challenger in the State Treasurer.

It's been amusing watching it from the safety of out of state. I spent too many years dealing with the infighting of the DEGOP.

[stevio]

Yep. And McCain would happily shovel the dirt on the coffin.

[IMissPresidentReagan]

Is the GOP running low on funds? or low on viable candidates? or do they even care anymore?

[Pyro7480]

At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, delegate James Madison scolded little DE. In an outburst of passion, Madison said that DE had aided the British during the Revolution.

I guess Madison forgot that Delaware had contributed one of the best regiments in the Continental Army!

[RKBA Democrat]

Ask yourself the question: if you had the financial wherewithal to do so, would you run on the GOP ticket at this point?

Seems like a real good way to flush money down the tubes.

[Ann Archy]

What DECENT Republican wants to go up against the DEMOCRAT MEDIA and Vile politicians???

[RKBA Democrat]

“Is the GOP running low on funds? or low on viable candidates? or do they even care anymore?”

It would appear a combination of all of the above. It’s amazing to note that in a few years, the GOP went from controlling all three branches of government, most legislatures, and most governorships to where it is today.

Maybe, just maybe, a conservative third party will eventually come to replace the GOP.

[Theodore R.]

I did not know about that regiment, but he claimed DE aided the Tories. Washington later supposedly scolded him for having done so.

[conservativeinferno]

In 2000 Bush received 42% of the vote and in 2004 he received 46%.

[Theodore R.]

You are right: First State. So which is “Constitution State”? Is that another name for PA?

[Pyro7480]

Washington later supposedly scolded him for having done so.

Rightly so.

[Theodore R.]

Increasingly up to thirty states seem to be conceded to one party without much of a fight any more.

[Operation_Shock_N_Awe]

Doubtful. Everyone will bail out on the conservative candidate afraid he won’t have a chance and will take votes from the “electable” GOP candidate.

I’m begining to think we’d be about in the same perdicament if we did elections truly American Idol style. They could have a talent show and Paula Abdul could say she likes Hitlery’s pant suit while drinking a coke. Some accented foreigner could get his fair say in AMERICAN Idol the Presidential Series (TM) too. Then they can talk about working (TM) Families (TM) and sing “We Are a Family.”

Save money and bother not with campaign contributions. Buy non-perishable food items, ammo, medical supplies, and water. You can also buy a mattress to make this hand basket more cozy during the trip.

[Gabz]

PA is the “Keystone State.” I believe Connecticut is the Constitution State.

[DoughtyOne]

In at least some places (California being one), the Republican party is now out Democrating the Democrats, so what difference does it make if a Republican candidate runs or not? You know, sorta like the Presidency has gone this year, Obama(D) and McCain(d).

[Roccus]

The GOP has proven itself at least unwilling and at best incapable of leadership. The GOP politicians are more than content to take a back seat and garner whatever crumbs the democrats are willing to throw their way.