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ARCHIVESA LAST PARADE FOR THURMAN ADAMSPosted: June 28, 2009 The little town of Bridgeville was the host for Delaware's political elite Saturday at the funeral for state Sen. Thurman Adams. Vice President Joe Biden, the congressional delegation, the governor and hundreds of others accompanied Adams in his final procession. "SENATOR ADAMS, REST IN PEACE"Posted: June 25, 2009Legislative Hall in Dover is in mourning over the death of Sen. Thurman Adams, the Democratic president pro tem, who proved to be an instinctively talented lawmaker from the start to the finish of his 36 years in the Delaware General Assembly. THE OTHER TOMPosted: June 23, 2009 With barely a ripple in the political universe, Delaware had a statewide official complete his 20th year in office. As a Republican and a downstater, he is an endangered species. No wonder he might as well be known as the other Tom. WWCD? (WHAT WILL CASTLE DO?)Posted: June 18, 2009 A golf outing was the latest addition to the guessing game revolving around Mike Castle, the nine-term Republican congressman, about his plans for 2010. He is nearing his own deadline for deciding what office he will run for, if at all. THAT OLD RED, WHITE & BLUE MAGICPosted: June 16, 2009 When Gov. Jack Markell signed the open government bill into law on Friday, he thwarted the state Senate's last trick of trying to make it disappear by raising a constitutional question about its validity. Once upon a time, that gambit worked. MILTON GETS MUSIC, MONEY & MARKELLPosted: June 11, 2009 Something odd happened last weekend in Milton. A politician did not take contributions but helped to make them. The event was the Sixth Annual Summer Bash, which typically turns country music and gourmet fare into a fund-raiser for Jack Markell, but not this year. NORMALPosted: June 8, 2009 Sometimes what appears to be normal actually can be momentous. It is happening in the state Senate right now. With little fuss, the chamber is on the verge of passing a version of the gay rights bill it long has shunned. HAIL TO THE VICE SISTERPosted: June 5, 2009 The vice president is not the only Biden who can get a crowd going. Valerie Biden Owens showed what she can do when she spoke to a Delaware Democratic women's group. She is Joe's sister, or as she prefers to call herself these days -- the vice sister. A SAFE HOUSE FOR POLITICIANS TAKES IN MATT DENNPosted: May 28, 2009 Matt Denn has spent the last five years making his way in politics, as he transformed himself from a lawyer to insurance commissioner to lieutenant governor. It has the appearance of steady progress, if only his salary had followed suit. CANDIDATE SHOPPINGPosted: May 20, 2009 There is no better place for gauging who wants to be a candidate than the state conventions. The flocks were available for inspection last weekend when the Delaware Democrats and Republicans got together, the Democrats in Dover and the Republicans in Newark. CONVENTIONAL PLAYPosted: May 17, 2009 The Delaware Democrats and Republicans went into their conventions this weekend with different expectations but the same design -- to put the last election behind them and get ready for the next one. TAXATION WITHOUT COMPENSATIONPosted: May 14, 2009 The state payroll seems virtually certain to take a hit because of the Great Recession. Gov. Jack Markell has proposed a cut of 8 percent. Is there anything worse than watching a paycheck shrink? Maybe for the judges there is. FIGHTING WHILE THE FIGHTING IS GOODPosted: May 12, 2009 Only the Delaware Democrats would decide that their winning streak is so good, they ought to have a leadership fight. The party will have to sort out a race for state chair when it holds a convention this Saturday in Dover. CHANCERY'S SLOW CHANGEPosted: May 7, 2009 The turnover among the judges on the distinguished Court of Chancery, the bastion of business law, will not be as great as Delaware's corporate bar fretted it might be. Chancellor Bill Chandler is seeing to it personally. SIMMER, BABY, SIMMERPosted: May 5, 2009 The worst time for someone in Delaware officialdom to do something foolish is right before the First State Gridiron & Dinner Show, an annual political roast that brings together the state's elite for an evening in the spring. Myron Steele, this means you. SANDWICH PICKSPosted: May 1, 2009 As the state's Democratic senior senator, Tom Carper is sending the White House a list of candidates to fill openings for a federal judge and U.S. attorney for Delaware. His influence could be determined by how senior Carper really is on matters Delawarean. JOHN CARNEY'S SECOND ACTPosted: April 28, 2009 John Carney is looking for a comeback following a come-down that saw him fail to win the governorship or secure an appointment to the U.S. Senate, despite clever political stickers saying, "Send J.C. to D.C." Never mind. He still could become "M.C." -- Member of Congress. SENATORIAL SYNAPSESPosted: April 23, 2009 The campaign for the U.S. Senate seat, once monopolized by Joe Biden, will be the driving force in Delaware politics for the 2010 election. It is not something your father was used to, or even your grandmother. This is one rare event. Naturally it is attracting big names. GOING, GOING, GONE?Posted: July 15, 2008 When Ruth Ann Minner leaves office in January, it is all but certain that the first woman to be elected governor of Delaware will leave state politics with a void apparently no one saw coming. Ten years ago, it hardly seemed possible. RAGE AGAINST THE DESK DRAWERPosted: July 9, 2008 The state legislators with districts including Newark hosted a forum Tuesday evening for their constituents, who were suspicious about a number of the practices of the Delaware General Assembly. The legislators were, too. A PHANTOM RETIREMENT, AFTER ALLPosted: July 7, 2008 Just what the Republicans needed -- another seat for their threatened majority to defend in the state House of Representatives. A week after the Delaware General Assembly ended amid speculation that another Republican would be leaving, one is. HE'S GOING EVERYWHERE, MANPosted: July 3, 2008 Jack Markell is rolling out his campaign for governor with "57 in 57," a tour that will take him to all of Delaware's 57 cities and towns over 57 hours. It is also taking him to unconventional politics in his rivalry with John Carney for the Democratic nomination. NOT WITH A BANG, BUT A WHIMPERPosted: July 1, 2008 The Delaware General Assembly slouched out of Dover and into history when it ended its two-year term on June 30 with the customary political pyrotechnics, maddening delays and some last good-byes for departing colleagues. HOW BERNARD PEPUKAYI'S NOMINATION WAS SAVEDPosted: June 27, 2008 There was a flurry of legal activity, reaching all the way to the Delaware Supreme Court, before Bernard Pepukayi had his day in the state Senate, where the governor's deputy legal counsel was up for confirmation to a Family Court post. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: June 26, 2008 An AFL-CIO endorsement in the Democratic gubernatorial primary eludes John Carney, but it is not his fault. Sam Lathem, the labor organization's leader, has a change of heart. Jack Markell, the other Democrat for governor, goes where no candidate has gone before. FIGHTING WORDS? NOT FROM CARNEYPosted: June 21, 2008 The climate, whether meteorological or political, was mild Saturday as Lt. Gov. John Carney declared his candidacy for governor and finessed his relationships with Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and Treasurer Jack Markell, his rival for the Democratic nomination. LAWS, SAUSAGES AND DEMOCRATIC ENDORSEMENTSPosted: June 19, 2008 The Delaware Democratic Party took care of business its own way when its executive committee voted Wednesday on statewide endorsements, including the one prized by John Carney for governor. Not much met the public eye. NEWS RELEASE: CARNEY LEADS LIST OF DEMOCRATIC ENDORSEMENTSPosted: June 18, 2008 The Delaware Democrats' executive committee endorsed John Carney for governor in a meeting Wednesday evening. The backing for Carney and other statewide Democrats followed recommendations from county, city and local Democratic committees. SOMEWHAT OLD, SOMEWHAT NEWPosted: June 17, 2008 In the Democratic primary for governor, Lt. Gov. John Carney is trying to calibrate where he should be between traditional party politics and the new age of campaigning. Treasurer Jack Markell made his decision long ago. A JUDGESHIP? JUST WHAT JOHN PARKINS ALWAYS WANTEDPosted: June 13, 2008 John Parkins' first stop out of law school was the court as a law clerk, and his last should be the court as a judge. Parkins, a partner at Richards Layton & Finger, is Gov. Ruth Ann Minner's choice for a Superior Court opening. LEGISLATIVE WATCH LISTPosted: June 12, 2008 Not all of the legislators will be back for the next term, and not just because of retirements. Delaware Grapevine lists the key races for the General Assembly in the 2008 election, as the current session points toward dismissal on June 30. THOSE NAMES HAVE A FAMILIAR RING TO THEMPosted: June 9, 2008 Yes, almost all of the names going to the governor for a Superior Court opening, caused by the retirement of Judge Susan Del Pesco, have been seen somewhere before. They were on the list the last time there was a vacancy, only to be short-circuited by politics. MATT DENN MOWS ONPosted: June 7, 2008 Matt Denn's unswerving sense of purpose is taking him from his current post as the Democratic insurance commissioner to a race for lieutenant governor against Charlie Copeland, the state Senate's Republican minority leader, who does not back down, either. CONGRESSIONAL NOTEBOOKPosted: June 5, 2008 Tom Carper, one of Delaware's Democratic senators, tiptoes into delivering his support to Barack Obama in a move consistent with his character. Joe Biden, the other Democratic senator, has unmentionables turned into mentionable by a Capitol Hill newspaper. VICMEAD'S GOOD VIBRATIONSPosted: June 3, 2008 When the Delaware Republicans gathered Monday evening at the Vicmead Hunt Club in Chateau Country for their premier annual event, they had the revelation that there was more to them than a garden party. They actually were a political party, after all. CONSTITUTIONAL CONUNDRUMPosted: May 30, 2008 State Rep. Bob Valihura could be in the running for a judgeship. He has a law degree from a good school. He has 21 years in as a member of the Delaware bar. What he does not have is an assurance the state constitution will let him. BLUNT TALKPosted: May 28, 2008 When Wilmington Council President Ted Blunt announced that he was yanking himself out of the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, he did not bother to address a number of factors that were dragging down his candidacy. LEG HALL LINGOPosted: May 16, 2008 There is more to understanding the workings of the Delaware General Assembly than reading bills and checking the roll calls. The insiders have a language all their own, so here is a glossary for figuring out what they mean. POLI-TICKINGPosted: May 14, 2008 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Charlie Copeland makes a move to give himself running room. Joe Biden and Tom Carper answer a question from a Capital Hill newspaper they did not expect to be asked. BILL LEE'S STATEMENT: "I'M IN"Posted: May 13, 2008 Bill Lee officially entered the governor's race by filing his candidacy Tuesday with the state Elections Department, 10 days after the Delaware Republican Party drafted him at its convention. Here is his statement. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: May 9, 2008 A week after the Delaware Republicans endorsed a ticket, the candidates for governor and insurance commissioner still are not on the campaign trail, but they are close. Congressman Mike Castle came out of the Republican convention needing his checkbook. UNDER NEW MANAGEMENTPosted: May 7, 2008 The Delaware Republicans installed Tom Ross as the new state chair at their convention Saturday in Dewey Beach. They got someone who is not an average Republican but already has made his mark in party politics. THE RETURN OF BILL LEEPosted: May 5, 2008 After the draft last weekend at the Republican state convention, Bill Lee has returned from political exile at Disney World with all the magic he needs to bring a campaign for governor to life. He sounds very much like someone on the verge of saying yes. NOTHING CONVENTIONAL ABOUT THIS CONVENTIONPosted: May 3, 2008 The Delaware Republicans had themselves a throwback of a convention this weekend at Dewey Beach, where there was no script, but there were a draft, a clash for leadership, a resignation and almost as many candidates absent as present. THE CHEMISTRY RETURNS TO THE DELAWARE REPUBLICANSPosted: May 1, 2008 The Republican state convention this weekend in Dewey Beach could produce a gubernatorial ticket and a fight for a spot on the Republican National Committee -- events that could energize the party by tapping its deepest roots. A PRIVATE LAW FIRM HARBORS A PUBLIC SIDEPosted: April 27, 2008 The partners at Oberly Jennings & Rhodunda -- a former attorney general, former chief deputy attorney general and former New Castle County attorney -- are taking their law practice to another firm. It is not a surprise which one it is. BILL LEE AND CHARLIE COPELAND COULD BE THE TICKETPosted: April 25, 2008 After three barren months of watching the Democrats monopolize the gubernatorial field, the Republicans are working to resurrect themselves with the prospect of retired Judge Bill Lee for governor and state Senate Minority Leader Charlie Copeland for lieutenant governor. DRAFTING BILL LEEPosted: April 23, 2008 The Delaware Republicans are 10 days away from their convention, where they will be voting on endorsements for statewide candidates. Their field for governor is woefully thin. They could draft Bill Lee, but if they do, they will have to do it without him. STATE SEN. STEVE AMICK WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTIONPosted: April 21, 2008 State Sen. Steve Amick, a Newark Republican with 22 years as a legislator, told his local newspaper Monday he will not run for re-election. His notice comes two weeks after state Rep. Bethany Hall-Long, a Middletown Democrat, announced she would seek the seat. JUDGE JANE ROTH DOES THE UNTHINKABLEPosted: April 18, 2008 Judge Jane Roth was put on the bench by Ronald Reagan and the first George Bush, two Republican presidents. She was married to Bill Roth, the late Republican senator. Jane Roth could not possibly change her party affiliation. Could she? "THURMAN A., HE'S OK"Posted: April 16, 2008 The Legislative Hall crowd pulled one over on state Sen. Thurman Adams Jr., the Democratic president pro tem who is usually in on everything, when it organized a banquet held in his honor Tuesday evening in Dover. SURPRISE! A SUSSEX REPUBLICAN WANTS TO TAKE ON JOE BIDENPosted: April 15, 2008 Sussex County has something of a tradition for sending forth unknown Republican candidates to duel with mighty Democrats for their seats in the U.S. Senate. It worked once, a long time ago, and someone new wants to try in 2008 against Joe Biden. NEVER SAY NEVERPosted: April 11, 2008 Bill Lee was supposed to be finished with all thoughts of running for governor when he told the Delaware Republicans about a month ago to find somebody else. The longer they go without a candidate, the more his name resurfaces in a candidacy that will not die. POLI-TICKINGPosted: April 9, 2008 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. In the race for governor, a good Democrat can get confused. Secretary of State Harriet Smith Windsor takes some interesting phone calls. Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn gives from the office. CONVENTION NOTEBOOKPosted: April 7, 2008 More than the highlights of electing national delegates took place Saturday in Dover at the Delaware Democrats' convention. There were also sidelights -- asides in speeches and in the political protocol for the day. JOE BIDEN STEALS THE DAY AT THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTIONPosted: April 5, 2008 The Delaware Democrats met Saturday in Dover to elect delegates to their national nominating convention in Denver, and although Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton got their due, the state party's heart was still with Joe Biden, the favorite son. FOR THE DEMOCRATS, IT COULD BE TIME TO PARTY LIKE IT IS 1982Posted: April 3, 2008 Delaware's voter registration numbers are flowing in the Democrats' direction, driven by everything from unrest to the primary for governor. It is likely to affect the election for the state House of Representatives, where the Democrats have not had a victory party in decades. RUNNING-AWAY MATESPosted: March 31, 2008 The Delaware Republicans not only have had trouble finding someone of stature to run for governor. There also have been people declining to run for lieutenant governor. Call these folks the running-away mates. ANOTHER REPUBLICAN SAYS NO TO GOVERNORPosted: March 27, 2008 The Republicans are up to four strikes and still are out a candidate for governor. State Rep. Donna Stone said she would not run, shortly before a party leadership meeting Wednesday evening when Terry Strine, the state chair, was hoping to announce that she would. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: March 26, 2008 A council of consulting engineers takes the measure of Lt. Gov. John Carney and Treasurer Jack Markell, the Democratic candidates for governor. An invitation for a candidate for insurance commissioner finds its way to the wrong place. MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL POLITICS, PART IIPosted: March 24, 2008 Got money? No one gets elected without it. Earlier this month, Delaware Grapevine charted the finances for the candidates in statewide races at the start of the 2008 campaign season. Here is a look at the candidates in key legislative contests. POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 20, 2008 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Democrats say what they have to say about state Rep. Nancy Wagner, a Dover Republican, without saying it. State Rep. Terry Spence, the Republican speaker, does what he always does. SURPRISE, SURPRISE, CHRIS BULLOCK BACKS OUTPosted: March 18, 2008 In a long courtship of politics, Chris Bullock has thought frequently about running for office. The Wilmington pastor finally made it look serious last month by announcing as a Democratic congressional candidate, but he got cold feet again. WHAT'S A PARTY TO DO?Posted: March 14, 2008 In the next three months, the Delaware Democrats will be figuring out what to do about a party endorsement for governor between Lt. Gov. John Carney and Treasurer Jack Markell, or maybe what not to do. It is an excruciating decision. POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 12, 2008 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Bill Lee chooses March madness over political madness. Tom Carper goes for athletic madness. Eliot Spitzer shows the difference between New York and Delaware madness. LEGISLATIVE NOTEBOOKPosted: March 10, 2008 It is beginning to look a lot like an election year around Legislative Hall. A Democratic representative takes a look at bumping a Republican senator. Letters are exchanged by Republicans about state Rep. Nancy Wagner, one of their own. MORE WOE FOR NANCY WAGNERPosted: March 7, 2008 A critical letter with 26 signatures provides new ammunition against state Rep. Nancy Wagner and her husband Bud over their public paychecks. Even worse for her, all of the signers are Republicans who are supposed to be on her side. MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL POLITICSPosted: March 5, 2008 Got money? No one gets elected without it. Delaware Grapevine provides a summary of the state of the financial state of the statewide candidates, from a bankroll of $2.5 million for Jack Markell to a six-figure debt that makes Dennis Spivack's treasury as iffy as his candidacy. AS THE 41ST DISTRICT TURNSPosted: March 3, 2008 John Atkins has careened back into the public arena, not even a year after he was run out of the legislature for conduct unbecoming. He has switched parties and filed for his old seat in the latest episode of soap-opera politics in the 41st Representative District in Sussex County. RUMORS OF THE JUDGE'S CANDIDACY ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATEDPosted: Feb. 28, 2008 If Judge Susan Del Pesco is running for governor, it is news to her. Del Pesco, who is retiring from the Superior Court, came home from a vacation to discover the rumor spreading throughout Delaware. She is not now and will not be a candidate. "A DELAWAREAN FOR ALL SEASONS"Posted: Feb. 27, 2008 Where else but the Vicmead Hunt Club should there be a memorial service for Laird Stabler, the Republican stalwart who frequented it as the outdoorsman he was and as a politician attending events there? Hundreds of people came out for it. RETIRE WHEN READYPosted: Feb. 26, 2008 A plan that state Sen. John Still once had for restoring the Delaware Republican Party did not work out, and instead he is retiring after spending 20 years representing a Dover-area district he would like to turn over to a former mayor. W. LAIRD STABLER JR., 1930-2008Posted: Feb. 24, 2008 W. Laird Stabler Jr., a Republican national committeeman who never forget he was a Delawarean first, died early Sunday morning at home in Montchanin in the state he loved and served as its attorney general and U.S. attorney in 40 years of public life. TIMING IS EVERYTHING IN POLITICSPosted: Feb. 22, 2008 The Kent County Democrats are taking advantage of unfavorable news coverage of state Rep. Nancy Wagner, an eight-term Republican, to set up a showdown that could figure prominently in the contest for control of the state House of Representatives. REPUBLICANS' "PLAN B" LOOKS BALKYPosted: Feb. 19, 2008 The Sussex County Lincoln Day Dinner on Monday evening in Rehoboth Beach was another time for the Republicans to remind themselves they do not have a candidate for governor. There is a "Plan B" of sorts, but he is balking. JUDGE DEL PESCO PREPARES TO HANG UP HER ROBEPosted: Feb. 15, 2008 Judge Susan Del Pesco has told her colleagues that she intends to retire in May from the Superior Court, which was a different place when she arrived 20 years ago. Del Pesco was the first woman appointed to the court. A SUPER-CHARGED DEBATEPosted: Feb. 12, 2008 The Democrats' super-delegates -- the elected and party leaders who are free to vote for any presidential candidate they like -- have enflamed a new conspiracy theory about a stolen nomination. It would be helpful to remember who these super-delegates are. CHRIS BULLOCK, OR CHANGEPosted: Feb. 9, 2008 Change was afoot Saturday, as Chris Bullock declared his candidacy for Delaware's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, whether it was the change he wants to make in policy, his change in party or his change in the typical three-county announcement tour. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: Feb. 7, 2008 Republican John Brady takes another bite out of politics by declaring for insurance commissioner and asking voters to "let the big guy work for you." The Democrats crunch the numbers and allot their presidential delegates, but it is not exactly chiseled in stone. GENERATION OBAMAPosted: Feb. 5, 2008 Generational change came to the Delaware Democrats as Barack Obama won the presidential primary Tuesday with endorsements from John Carney and Jack Markell, the men who want to be governor. It was not so transitional on the Republican side with John McCain. CHELSEA MORNINGPosted: Feb. 4, 2008 With only a day to go before Delaware's presidential primary, the Clinton campaign rushed in Chelsea Clinton to the University of Delaware to counter the rival onslaught from Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in the contest for the Democratic nomination. RODNEY SQUARE ROCKS WITH OBA-MANIAPosted: Feb. 3, 2008 In a throwback to an era when politics was large-scale picnics and torchlight parades, 20,000 people interrupted their Super Bowl preparations Sunday to see Barack Obama bring his presidential campaign to Rodney Square in Wilmington. MCCAIN BUILDS MOMENTUM IN DELAWAREPosted: Feb. 1, 2008 Congressman Mike Castle and Tom Ridge, the Pennsylvania ex-governor who also was the Homeland Security secretary, went on a tour of Delaware on behalf of John McCain's Republican presidential campaign, picking up endorsements as they did. MICHELLE OBAMA WOOS THEM AND WOWS THEMPosted: Jan. 31, 2008 In Delaware's abbreviated season for the presidential primary, a visit from Michelle Obama provided an unanticipated jolt of excitement to a state that otherwise expects to be mostly an afterthought in the mass voting on Super Duper Tuesday. STATE OF THE SEATINGPosted: Jan. 29, 2008 The presidential State of the Union addresses tend to be like high school with pep-rally cheering sections and lots of attention paid to who is sitting with whom. This year some of that attention was directed intently at the two Democratic senators from Delaware. WHO'S GOT GAME FOR GOVERNOR?Posted: Jan. 25, 2008 The Delaware Republicans entertained themselves Friday evening at a party dinner by wondering whom they would run for governor, now that Alan Levin has backed out, and whom they would choose for president, now that the primary is approaching. PRIMARY SCRAMBLEPosted: Jan. 24, 2008 With 12 days to go until the presidential primary, the campaigns are turning their attention to Delaware, although not too much of it. The state's size leaves it largely lost in the voting of more than 20 states Feb. 5 on Super Duper Tuesday. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: Jan. 23, 2008 Delaware politics has gone where it never has before, now that Jack Markell has raised $2.5 million to run for governor, a race that looks to be decided in a Democratic primary. Even before Alan Levin nixed his Republican candidacy, there was a bad omen. THE POLITICS IS PASTORALPosted: Jan. 21, 2008 The annual Martin Luther King breakfast Monday at the Wilmington riverfront was part church service and part political rally, so much so that a pastor acknowledged he will declare his candidacy for office next month. FEAR OF FILINGPosted: Jan. 18, 2008 Another election year, another collapse of the odd-numbered-year candidacies for the state legislators who envision themselves running for higher office, especially governor and lieutenant governor, until the time comes actually to do it. LEVIN LEAVES THE REPUBLICANS UNHAPPY AND HARRIEDPosted: Jan. 17, 2008 The Delaware Republicans did not have the slightest hint that Alan Levin was having second thoughts about running for governor. Until Thursday morning, all they saw was a candidate deep into the preparations for a campaign that they believed would do the party proud. NEWS RELEASE: LEVIN IS NOT RUNNING FOR GOVERNORPosted: Jan. 17, 2008 Alan Levin, whose entry as a Republican candidate for governor seemed a foregone conclusion, released a statement Thursday morning to say he has decided not to run. He called it "the best decision for me and my family." ALAN LEVIN AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETSPosted: Jan. 15, 2008 Alan Levin has ended a two-year term as chair of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and he left everyone hanging at a gala dinner Monday in Wilmington by making his final remarks without talking about his plans for You-Know-What. STEVE FORBES, A DELAWARE FAVORITE, RETURNS TO THE SCENEPosted: Jan. 13, 2008 Three presidential elections ago, Steve Forbes and Delaware combined for a notable moment in American politics. He was back in the state Saturday to keynote the Republicans' Lincoln Day Dinner in Dover and renew the mutual admiration society. A PRESIDENTIAL FREE-FOR-ALL FOR REPUBLICANSPosted: Jan. 11, 2008 Pick a candidate, any candidate. The Delaware Republicans are. Leading officeholders and party officials are dividing their support for president among Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Mitt Romney in the state primary on Feb. 5. FOUR OF A KINDPosted: Jan. 9, 2008 Barack Obama has drawn a strong hand in endorsements for the Democratic presidential primary here, now that Lt. Gov. John Carney has added his backing to an unexpected and even confusing show of support. NEWS RELEASE: MARKELL BANKS $2.5 MILLION FOR GOVERNOR'S RACEPosted: Jan. 9, 2008 Jack Markell, the Democratic state treasurer running for governor, said he ended 2007 with $2.5 million in his campaign account after he raised $1.6 million in new contributions during the year, as he prepares for a potential primary against Lt. Gov. John Carney. OBA-MANIA IS HEREPosted: Jan. 7, 2008 Endorsements for Barack Obama and his presidential campaign for change are flying in from Delaware Democrats, with barely a pause after the collapse of the favorite-son candidacy of Joe Biden in the Iowa caucuses. GONE WITH A NEW WINDPosted: Jan. 4, 2008 The political wind in 2008 was not at Joe Biden's back, as his next-to-last finish Thursday evening in the Democratic presidential caucuses in Iowa showed. There was too much of the Senate about him to prevent him breaking through. A CAVALRY OF ONE RIDES TO BIDEN'S AIDPosted: Jan. 2, 2008 With the Iowa caucuses set for Thursday to begin the presidential voting, Joe Biden got some help on the ground there last week from a loyal, if lonely, fellow Delaware Democrat backing his bid for the 2008 nomination. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: Dec. 21, 2007 In the year of the special elections, the Delaware Democrats give credit to Howard Dean, their national chair, for a winning record. Pete du Pont's 20-year-old presidential campaign unexpectedly surfaces. The U.S. Supreme Court plays a joke on itself. IT AIN'T SO, JOEPosted: Dec. 20, 2007 As Joe Biden campaigned in Iowa for the Democratic presidential nomination, he talked about the 1972 crash that killed his wife and daughter, hospitalized his sons, and devastated himself, but what he said was not what happened. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Dec. 17, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The only Delawarean likely to get a pass for inserting politics into a football championship pops up during the University of Delaware's game. The beauty of a press release is in the eye of the issuer. FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT OVER DELAWAREPosted: Dec. 14, 2007 With the University of Delaware's championship football game on the line this Friday evening, a fugitive from the rival Appalachian State University has been hiding in plain sight in one of Delaware's best-known families. WHERE'S FRED? NOT ON THE DELAWARE BALLOTPosted: Dec. 12, 2007 There are more than 178,000 Republican voters in Delaware, and Fred Thompson's presidential campaign could not find 500 of them to sign petitions to get him on the primary ballot. It was not exactly a surprise. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: Dec. 10, 2007 The filing deadline for presidential candidates looking for a spot on Delaware's primary ballot passed Monday, with Joe Biden among 13 candidates, Democrat and Republican, appearing to qualify. The Democrats only wish they had such a robust field for the Congress. DECK THE HALLS WITH ANOTHER DEMOCRATPosted: Dec. 8, 2007 A new Democrat is on his way to Legislative Hall in Dover. William J. Carson Jr. won a special election Saturday for the state House of Representatives in the midst of the holiday season by outpolling Republican Christine Malec in a Kent County district. ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, ATKINS STYLEPosted: Dec. 5, 2007 A yearlong probation has ended for John Atkins, the Republican ex-representative who was driven out of Dover for legal and political misdeeds. With his legal woes behind him, he seems poised to see whether he can make the same sort of political move. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: Dec. 3, 2007 The biggest clues in politics are supposed to come from following the money, but there is not much to follow in the special election Saturday for a Kent County seat in the state House of Representatives. After four legislative special elections, the parties still will not get to rest. THE FICKLE FINGER OF FOOTBALLPosted: Nov. 29, 2007 Not that Joe Biden needed any extra reason to go to Iowa this weekend, but the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens gave him one with their quarterfinal football game against the University of Northern Iowa in a showdown made in political heaven. BRUCE ENNIS AND THE BRUSTERPosted: Nov. 27, 2007 Bruce Ennis had his day as he was sworn in Wednesday in Legislative Hall in Dover as the newest state senator during a special session, but he shared it with the memories of the man he replaced and a dog named the Bruster. PRESIDENTIAL POLI-TICKINGPosted: Nov. 20, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick, even at the presidential level. This is a column about that. Joe Biden has a political rally that needs a tent company to save the day. He also comes out on top in a survey of dubious distinction. LEGISLATIVE WATCH LISTPosted: Nov. 16, 2007 Election after election, there often is little change of consequence in the makeup of the General Assembly. The 2008 election is not likely to be one of them. More than a dozen seats already are in play, as the Delaware Grapevine's chart of the "Legislative Watch List" shows. FUNNY THING ABOUT WINNING . . .Posted: Nov. 13, 2007 The Kent County Democrats laughed it up Monday evening at their annual Belle Everett Dinner at the Felton Fire Hall as they prolonged their celebration of a landslide victory in a special election earlier this month for the state Senate. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Nov. 8, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Delaware Democrats put together an organization that even the Republicans can love. A Senate aide drives himself to the top of the organizational chart. SPECIAL ELECTION NOTEBOOKPosted: Nov. 6, 2007 There probably was more history made than it appeared when Bruce Ennis won the special senatorial election Saturday for the Delaware Democrats. The reward for the Democrats is another must-win special election to keep alive their hopes of a House majority. DEMOCRATS KEEP VAUGHN'S SEAT IN A LANDSLIDEPosted: Nov. 3, 2007 The voters in the 14th Senatorial District replaced one Democratic legislator who used to be a state trooper with another, when they went to the polls in a special election Saturday and chose Bruce E. Ennis for the seat held for 27 years by the late James T. Vaughn Sr. POLITICAL TRICK OR TREATPosted: Nov. 1, 2007 The end of Halloween did not lift the mask on campaign spending by a new political action committee calling itself the "DCCC" and involving itself in the special election scheduled Saturday in a state Senate district. IT HAD TO BE JOEPosted: Oct. 30, 2007 Not surprisingly, the Delaware Democrats dedicated their Jefferson Jackson Dinner, the party's biggest event of the year, to their favorite son, but not just because Joe Biden is running for president. It also distracted them from other things. PRESIDENTIAL POLI-TICKINGPosted: Oct. 25, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick, even in the presidential campaign. This is a column about that. Joe Biden plans a couple of big events that nobody may hear about. He gets some help in Iowa from New Castle County Executive Chris Coons. A LAWYER SAVES THE REPUBLICANS FROM THEMSELVESPosted: Oct. 22, 2007 Campaign finance laws are so complicated, they are something only a lawyer could love. That is the reason it pays to have a lawyer review what a campaign is doing -- even if it comes after the fact, as the Republicans just found out. THE CASE FINALLY IS CLOSED ON JOHN ATKINSPosted: Oct. 19, 2007 Nearly a year after former state Rep. John C. Atkins' arrest for a domestic fight, a report finally became public from the state Justice Department, clearing him of a nagging allegation that he tampered with a witness by trying to silence a babysitter who was present. REPUBLICAN MANIPULATIONPosted: Oct. 18, 2007 The Internet comes with an implicit warning to beware its content because of the ease with which it can be altered. An example can be found on the Website of the Republican candidate in the upcoming special legislative election. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: Oct. 17, 2007 There was a sense of spy-versus-spy last week in the Democratic gubernatorial contest between Lt. Gov. John Carney and Treasurer Jack Markell. Another possible candidacy against Mike Castle, the Republican congressman, is snuffed out. A DIFFERENT ROLL CALLPosted: Oct. 16, 2007 Legislative Hall seemed to be transported from Dover to Smyrna when dozens of state officials, including Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, assembled Tuesday morning for the funeral of James T. Vaughn Sr., the Democratic state senator who died last week. A SALUTE AND A WINKPosted: Oct. 15, 2007 Delaware Republicans gathered Friday evening at Vicmead Hunt Club in Chateau Country for their premier annual event. It was a salute to an officeholder they have and to one they would like to have. RUDY, YES, BUT BUSH, NO, AND JOE BIDEN, MAYBE SOPosted: Oct. 12, 2007 A new poll of Delaware voters by Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey shows Rudy Giuliani on the right track, George Bush on the wrong track and Joe Biden on two different tracks, one for the Senate and one for the presidency. STATE SEN. JAMES T. VAUGHN SR., 1925-2007Posted: Oct. 11, 2007 James T. Vaughn Sr. took care of his last public business two weeks ago when he resigned from the state Senate. Vaughn, at 82-year-old Clayton Democrat, died Wednesday after a lifetime of duty that he performed his way. PEEK-A-BOO CANDIDATESPosted: Oct. 9, 2007 The leading candidates for governor are running now-you-see-them-now-you-don't campaigns with more than a year to go before the election, but make no mistake about it, they are working harder than it may appear to the naked eye. SPECIAL ELECTION TRIVIAPosted: Oct. 5, 2007 The legislative special election to replace James T. Vaughn Sr., a Democrat who resigned from the state Senate, is creating a number of records and oddities, all coming weeks before the voting Nov. 3 in the district spanning New Castle County and Kent County. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: Oct. 3, 2007 The rush to judgment with the squished schedule of presidential primaries and caucuses could become orderly under the Delaware Plan, a proposal to unpack the states. The family tradition in state politics has new adherents. STATE GOP CHOOSES SCHOOL BOARD LEADER FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONPosted: Sept. 29, 2007 Delaware Republicans hustled to get a candidate in place for the special election caused by the resignation of state Sen. James T. Vaughn Sr., a Democrat who served for 27 years, and came up with Joanne Christian, the president of the Appoquinimink School Board. A NEW POLITICAL COMBOPosted: Sept. 28, 2007 As one of only two Republican statewide officeholders, Congressman Mike Castle is adept at working across the aisle. His routine dealings with Democratic Sen. Tom Carper are well known, but he found a new avenue because of a children's health bill. DEMOCRATS TAP REP. BRUCE ENNIS FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONPosted: Sept. 27, 2007 Within hours of the announcement that state Sen. James T. Vaughn Sr. was resigning for health reasons, his fellow Democrats had a candidate in place to run for his seat. State Rep. Bruce C. Ennis was an obvious choice -- and a speedy one, outdistancing the Republicans. VAUGHN TO RESIGN FROM THE STATE SENATEPosted: Sept. 26, 2007 After 27 years in the legislature, state Sen. James T. Vaughn Sr. acknowledged that his poor health means he no longer can do the job. The resignation sets up a special election to replace the conservative Democrat in a district spanning New Castle County and Kent County. THE MYSTERY OF MICHELE ROLLINSPosted: Sept. 24, 2007 There is really no such thing as a coincidence in politics. It meant there was a lot of speculation about what it meant when Michele Rollins was invited to give a speech at a dinner for the Republican Party, which has a lot of holes on its statewide ticket. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Sept. 21, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. A decision by the Newark Council lets the General Assembly dodge another special election. A candidate is alive to campaign for votes today in spite of his upbringing. A BOOK BRINGS JOE BIDEN BACKPosted: Sept. 19, 2007 Joe Biden is doing book signings for Promises to Keep, his personal and political memoir, because of his commitment to the publisher, but the one he did Monday evening in Elsmere was more than a book signing. It was a homecoming. CARNEY BRISTLES NO MOREPosted: Sept. 17, 2007 There is something different now about Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr., a two-term Democrat running for governor. He is showing the effects of a campaign fund-raiser that was held for him Saturday evening in Felton and exposed him for what he really is. A-G BIDEN QUIT REPRESENTING PSYCHIATRIC CENTERPosted: Sept. 15, 2007 The Delaware Psychiatric Center was left without legal advice when Attorney General Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III decided to investigate the facility instead of representing it. Stunned officials rushed to find outside legal counsel to replace the Justice Department. ALMOST A YEAR AFTER STROKE, IT IS BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR CASTLEPosted: Sept. 13, 2007 In another 10 days, it will be a year since U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, an eight-term Republican, had a mild stroke. He shrugged it off in a matter of weeks in time to be re-elected and continues to tend to his congressional work, his constituency and another campaign. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Sept. 10, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Democrats have an overabundance of statewide candidates but still could get another one. The Republicans flesh out their staff at state headquarters. GET READY, GET SET, GOPosted: Sept. 4, 2007 In the time between the weekends of the Democrats' Sussex County Beach Jamboree and Labor Day, the politicians in Delaware did not take the end of the summer off. The campaigning was in full swing, even though the next election year still is months away. SPIVACK CASTS DOUBT ON HIS CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDACYPosted: Aug. 31, 2007 Democrat Dennis Spivack never stopped running after he lost last year to U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, a Republican who won his eighth term, but now Spivack acknowledges his plans for another campaign in 2008 are in jeopardy, if not over. PREACHING POLITICSPosted: Aug. 30, 2007 An anti-war rally focused mainly on U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, an eight-term Republican, provided an opportunity for the Rev. Christopher A. Bullock to give a speech and to think about running for the Congress himself in 2008. JAMBOREE NOTEBOOKPosted: Aug. 28, 2007 From U.S. Sen. Tom Carper to the Delaware Democrats' regional chairs in the three counties and the city, the party did what it could Saturday to help out Joe Biden's presidential campaign at the Sussex County Beach Jamboree. CANDIDATE JAMPosted: Aug. 26, 2007 Maybe there was a little too much going on Saturday evening, when the Delaware Democrats gathered at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes for a hotter-than-ever Sussex County Beach Jamboree, stuffed with "favorite son" presidential politics and primaries. "MAKE DELAWARE HAPPY AGAIN"Posted: Aug. 22, 2007 Please do not say that Alan B. Levin is running for governor, just because he has spent the second half of August showing up at political events set up to let his fellow Republicans get a look at him and the occasional Democrat, too. THOSE "CASTLE '08" BUTTONS MEANT WHAT THEY SAIDPosted: Aug. 20, 2007 Wishing that U. S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, the eight-term Republican, would retire has not worked for the Democrats, so they have moved ahead with trying to find someone to run against him in 2008. They appear to have takers. MARY JORNLIN THEISEN, NEW CASTLE COUNTY EXECUTIVE, 1927-2007Posted: Aug. 17, 2007 Mary Jornlin Theisen, a New Castle County executive whose dignity was an antidote to troubled times in the 1970s, died Friday at her Greenville home. A Republican who also served as state treasurer, she was a pioneering political figure. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Aug. 16, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Republicans look at state Rep. Robert J. Valihura Jr. as a possible candidate for insurance commissioner, but can they afford to? A political arms race escalates in the state House of Representatives. NATURAL POLITICAL ENEMIES, DELAWARE STYLEPosted: Aug. 14, 2007 The "Favorite Son Rally" for Joe Biden, conceived by a Democratic union president and Republican chamber of commerce chairman, continues to make odd alliances as the planning goes forward for the event, tentatively scheduled for sometime in October. CONNOLLY IS CLOSE TO A JUDICIAL NOMINATIONPosted: Aug. 10, 2007 The White House tentatively has settled on U.S. Attorney Colm F. Connolly for a federal judgeship, the Delaware Grapevine has learned. Connolly must go through a background check before he receives the nomination, subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate. PICK A JUDGE, ANY JUDGEPosted: Aug. 8, 2007 An opening on a federal court needs action from the other two branches of government to be filled. U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle is doing his part to have a new judge named, but the Bush administration is lagging in appointing someone to an eight-month-old vacancy. BUYING JOE BIDENPosted: Aug. 5, 2007 The line went on for more than two and half hours Sunday morning when Joe Biden went to Rehoboth Beach to sign copies of Promises to Keep, his new book coming out amid the campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. PLEASE DON'T COMEPosted: Aug. 3, 2007 Most politicians would all but kill for a crowd, but in Sussex County, a crowd was going to be so large that it killed an event. It says something about the cravings in the Delaware Republican Party for a candidate to run for governor. MATT DENN AIMS AT SCORING CREDIT ON RIVAL TURFPosted: Aug. 1, 2007 Sometimes a bill-signing ceremony means more than the governor's signature making a law. Sometimes there is a political angle to it, as there was for insurance-related legislation backed by Insurance Commissioner Matthew P. Denn. POLI-TICKINGPosted: July 30, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. State Treasurer Jack A. Markell focuses his vision as he runs for the Democratic nomination for governor. The most expensive state Senate race in Delaware history gets ready for a repeat. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: July 26, 2007 State Sen. Colin R.J. Bonini cannot resist flirting with statewide office, this time with the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor. Meanwhile, Insurance Commissioner Matthew P. Denn, who wants the Democratic nomination for the same office, is telling all on a blog. JOE TUBEPosted: July 24, 2007 YouTube has done a lot to enliven politics, but its partnership with CNN on a Democratic presidential debate was not it. Joe Biden did what he could to cope with this new Internet-inspired twist on campaigning. 'APPY ALAN 'AS ITPosted: July 5, 2007 As Alan B. Levin ends his tenure as a drug store executive on Friday, he is making the moves that could turn him into the Republican nominee for governor. Still, it pays to remember that Levin has made his way by knowing when to U-turn. DOUBLE-CROSS IN DOVERPosted: July 1, 2007 The Democrats were blindsided Saturday during the last night of the legislative session in Dover, as the Republicans bailed on what was supposed to be a bipartisan bill because of implications for the governor's race in 2008. FAVORITE $ONPosted: June 29, 2007 Take a Democratic labor leader. Add a Republican who could run for governor. Factor in a U.S. senator campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Put it all together in Delaware, and it turns into an event that only could happen here. PRESIDENTIAL PROWLINGSPosted: June 28, 2007 The 2008 presidential campaign is so pervasive that it is creeping into the back corners of Sussex County, all because Delaware is one of some 20 states likely to decide the presidential nominations with its primary scheduled for Feb. 5. LEGISLATIVE NOTEBOOKPosted: June 25, 2007 In the strange twists and turns of Legislative Hall, state Sen. Charles L. Copeland, the Republican minority leader, discovers the power of getting what he wants, and a longtime family feud is put aside by offspring with no memory of it. KEEP AWAYPosted: June 21, 2007 The state Senate can be a black hole for legislation when a core of senators wants it to be. There is no better example than the fate of the gay rights bill, which failed to clear a committee for consideration by the full chamber, as it has for session after session. RUDY ROLLS INPosted: June 14, 2007 Rudy Giuliani brought presidential politics and New York style to Delaware when he swept in Thursday to court the Republicans who will hold their primary on Feb. 5 in a round of voting likely to decide the nomination. Guiliani came away with contributions and press coverage. ALAN LEVIN LEAVES WALGREENSPosted: June 13, 2007 While Alan B. Levin ponders a run for governor on the Republican ticket, he is making another move. A year after selling Happy Harry's to Walgreens, he is departing to form a new business that will take him out of the executive office for drug stores. GUEST COLUMNS: DECRIMINALIZING TRAFFIC STOPSPosted: June 11, 2007 Legislation that would turn most traffic stops from criminal offenses to civil infractions is the subject of two guest columns. Prosecutor Paul R. Wallace argues for the bill on behalf of the state Department of Justice. Lawyer Brian F. Dolan argues against it. THE WHITE GLOVES ARE OFFPosted: June 8, 2007 Delaware politics is entering a new phase, as shown by the inclination of Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. and Treasurer Jack A. Markell to compete for the Democratic nomination for governor. For decades the politicians here were more likely to take turns. THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR GOVERNOR IS HEREPosted: June 6, 2007 Treasurer Jack A. Markell went public Wednesday with his plans to run for governor, a decision that sets up a climactic Democratic primary with Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. in a clash that party leaders fervently wished to avoid. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: June 5, 2007 A prime reason that Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. and Treasurer Jack A. Markell are expected to collide in a Democratic gubernatorial primary is that the state's top offices are locked up. In another note, the Republicans leave an opening for the Democrats in press relations. JACK'S BACK ON TRACKPosted: June 2, 2007; updated: June 3, 2007 A gourmet fund-raiser Saturday in Milton for Treasurer Jack A. Markell served up all sorts of hearty fare -- appetizers, main courses, side dishes and desserts -- as well as political nibbles about Markell's plans for 2008, including a promise of an announcement shortly. BEAU BIDEN SIDLES UP TO THE BAR, AND THEY'RE BUYINGPosted: May 31, 2007 Law Day gave the Delaware State Bar Association an opportunity last week to hear from Attorney General Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III, and it gave him an opportunity to propose an exchange he said would have mutual benefit. POLI-TICKINGPosted: May 23, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Mitt Romney is coming to Delaware, not that many people are supposed to know about it. Political operatives of both parties make their moves. BLUNT FORCEPosted: May 21, 2007 Democratic deal making, aimed at putting together a statewide ticket without party bloodshed, did not stop Wilmington Council President Theodore Blunt from declaring his candidacy for lieutenant governor in a statewide tour Saturday. "NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP"Posted: May 19, 2007 The Delaware Republicans were looking for a way out of the political doldrums when they met this weekend at their state convention in Dover. They came away pinning their hopes on a possible candidate for governor in 2008. CARNEY AND MARKELL DISCUSS A DEALPosted: May 16, 2007 In a concerted effort to head off a Democratic primary for governor, Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. and Treasurer Jack A. Markell are being urged to consider a ticket of Carney for governor and Markell for lieutenant governor. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper is working to broker a deal. SEARCHING FOR A REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNORPosted: May 15, 2007 State Sen. Charles L. Copeland, the Republican minority leader, has taken all the right steps to become his party's candidate for governor in 2008, except the last one. The Republicans may be looking elsewhere when they hold their state convention this weekend. ATKINS GETS A DEMOCRATIC "DEAR JOHN"Posted: May 11, 2007 A write-in campaign did not get John C. Atkins back to the state House of Representatives. Switching parties from Republican to Democrat is another way he could try, but he should not expect a welcome mat from the Democratic leadership. REFLECTIONS OF PETE DU PONTPosted: May 10, 2007 The governorship of Pierre S. du Pont, a Republican who served from 1977 to 1985, is the subject of a new book in the Delaware Heritage Commission's series on Delaware's executives. This look back comes at a time the state could use some help looking ahead. MAKING RICH ABBOTT PUT THE "COURT" IN "COURTESY"Posted: May 8, 2007 The rules governing the way lawyers should treat judges are enforced by judges, so lawyers who break the rules ought to figure out they will be in trouble. It happened to Richard L. Abbott, a Hockessin attorney who was once a New Castle County Republican councilman. REPUBLICANS SAVE A SEAT AND THEMSELVESPosted: May 5, 2007 Relief came for the Republicans in the Sussex County special election Saturday, when they righted themselves by electing Gregory A. Hastings to the state House of Representatives. It was put in jeopardy by the continuing escapades of John C. Atkins. WRITE-IN VOTES WILL BE COUNTED SATURDAY NIGHTUpdated: May 4, 2007 Election officials had second thoughts about letting write-in votes go uncounted for two days, as is normal, in the Sussex County special election Saturday, because their is no telling how much of an impact the write-in campaign for John C. Atkins will have. ALL THINGS ATKINS CONTINUE TO AMAZEPosted: May 2, 2007 The strange circumstances surrounding the special election Saturday in Sussex County could get stranger yet. If there is a surge of write-in votes for John C. Atkins, it could delay the vote tabulation. The special election also is putting a crimp in Cinco de Mayo. POLI-TICKINGPosted: April 30, 2007 It is the little things that makes politics tick. This is a column about that. Democrat Matthew P. Denn looks at exchanging his title as insurance commissioner for a new one in 2008. Republican Mitt Romney's presidential campaign starts to stir in Delaware. IT WAS GOOD TO BE THE DEMOCRATSPosted: April 25, 2007 What happened in the House Ethics Committee is staying in the House Ethics Committee, at least for now. The House Republican caucus abruptly canceled a press conference that was to produce information about John C. Atkins, the Republican ex-representative who resigned. ROUND TWOPosted: April 24, 2007 Joseph A. Hurley, the criminal defense lawyer, was a one-man protest when the state Senate voted to let M. Jane Brady leave the Attorney General's Office for a judgeship. Now Hurley is back with a new protest involving Brady on the bench. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: April 20, 2007 The special election last weekend in Brandywine Hundred was one for the books. Not only was there a Democratic victory in a Republican district, there were also an oddly-timed poll and a strange-looking map, not to mention an unlucky campaign trinket. NEVER MINDPosted: April 19, 2007 What happened in the House Ethics Committee is staying in the House Ethics Committee, at least for now. The House Republican caucus abruptly canceled a press conference that was to produce information about John C. Atkins, the Republican ex-representative who resigned. GETTING THEIR DUCKS IN A ROWPosted: April 18, 2007 The House Republicans are poised to go public with more information about John C. Atkins, their former colleague who resigned in disgrace. It follows the appearance of his campaign signs and a campaign-like letter in the special election to replace him. REPUBLICANS FOR RUDYPosted: April 17, 2007 Three months after Rudy Giuliani was in Delaware for a Republican dinner, it has paid off with the formation of a local campaign organization for his presidential bid. New York's former mayor also is expected for a return engagement in June. DEMOCRATS NAB AN ELECTION IN REPUBLICAN TERRITORYPosted: April 14, 2007 The Delaware Republicans have a reputation for winning special elections and for winning Brandywine Hundred legislative seats. Not this time. The Democrats pulled off an upset Saturday by electing Democrat Bryon H. Short to the state House of Representatives. IF NOT JOE, THEN BEAUPosted: April 13, 2007 Joseph R. Biden Jr. and III were both in Iowa a couple of weekends ago for some presidential campaigning, but the one called Beau does not plan to make a habit of it. He has other commitments at home. WHITE HOUSE INTERVIEWS SCHEDULED FOR JUDGESHIPPosted: April 12, 2007 Four candidates looking to become a federal judge are heading to Washington late this week for interviews at the White House. All were recommended by U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, the only Republican in the state's congressional delegation. CLOSED-DOOR VOTE SAVES SUSSEX REPUBLICAN CHAIRPosted: April 10, 2007 The vote was unanimous. The Sussex County Republicans decided to stick with David M. Burris, their chair who called for John C. Atkins' ouster from the legislature. They also backed Burris when he called for the press' ouster from their meeting. DUELING FUND RAISERSPosted: April 6, 2007 With 10 days to go before the special election in Brandywine Hundred, both the Democrats and the Republicans held fund raisers on Wednesday evening for their candidates. The fevered pace of a compressed campaign was on display. BRING ME THE FOOT OF A UNITED STATES SENATORPosted: April 5, 2007; updated: April 9, 2007 A broken foot was just the thing when U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper was making his rounds through the state Thursday during a congressional recess. His schedule took him to a Frederica business for a stop that no one could have made up. UNEQUAL STAKESPosted: April 3, 2007 Two special elections for legislative seats in Brandywine Hundred and Sussex County ought to be more than enough to keep the Delaware Democrats and Republicans busy, but the Republicans have the tug of another set of elections to occupy them, as well. AFTER AN UNWANTED ENCORE, ATKINS LEAVES AGAINPosted: March 31, 2007 The Republicans in the 41st Representative District were able to begin their search for a candidate Saturday, once they learned that John C. Atkins had turned off his cell phone and left for Florida with his wife, instead of trying for a comeback as a minor-party or write-in candidate. THE REMORSE OF HIS RESIGNATION WAS GREATLY EXAGGERATEDPosted: March 29, 2007 That was no resignation speech, that was a declaration of candidacy. John C. Atkins has made moves to get himself on the ballot in the special election for his Sussex County seat. If the Republican Party will not have him, he is willing to go with a minor party. ATKINS IS OUTPosted: March 27, 2007 John C. Atkins, a third-term Millsboro Republican, resigned Tuesday from the state House of Representatives before his colleagues could expel him. His determined stand to stick it out was ended by new and damaging information involving his late-night fight with his wife. SHOWDOWN IN LEGISLATIVE HALLPosted: March 26, 2007 The disciplinary matter involving state Rep. John C. Atkins is expected to come to a boil Tuesday when the state House of Representatives goes back into session amid signs that a vote to expel him is gaining momentum. SUSSEX REPUBLICAN CHAIR CALLS FOR JOHN ATKINS' OUSTERPosted: March 25, 2007 David M. Burris, barely a month into his tenure as the Sussex County Republican chair, used his "First State Politics" blog on Sunday to call for the resignation or expulsion of state Rep. John C. Atkins, a fellow Sussex County Republican. OFF WITH HIS HEADPosted: March 23, 2007 The rank-and-file in the state House of Representatives reacted overwhelmingly with disbelief to the leadership's decision to punish state Rep. John C. Atkins with a censure resolution. Instead, there is a growing movement for expulsion. TAKE THE HOUSE. PLEASE!Posted: March 21, 2007 When Wayne A. Smith resigned as the state House Republican majority leader, it set in motion a chain of events that brought into leadership some Republican representatives whose elevation was welcomed by Delaware Democrats. SPECIAL ELECTION IS APRIL 14Posted: March 20, 2007 House Speaker Terry R. Spence set the date for the special election in Brandywine Hundred on a day that the parties showed they are ready to mix it up for their candidates -- James T. Bowers for the Republicans and Bryon H. Short for the Democrats. POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 19, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. James T. Bowers, the Republican candidate in the Brandywine Hundred special election, has a hitch in his political resume. U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. does his part for another political dynasty. DISORDER IN THE COURTPosted: March 15, 2007 Three months have gone by since Kent A. Jordan moved from the U.S. District Court to the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, and there is no sign of a replacement because of an unusual set of circumstances involving the congressional delegation and the White House. SOMETHING IS IN THE AIR IN LEGISLATIVE HALLPosted: March 14, 2007 The Delaware General Assembly is having one of its strangest years ever. It was evident when the lawmakers returned to Dover on Tuesday to resume their session after a six-week break for budget hearings. Much has changed in the time off. FOR CARPER, IT'S TIME TO BABY HIS BOOMER SELFPosted: March 13, 2007 Take a U.S. senator who thrives on competition. Add in a charity volleyball tournament on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday. Multiply it with his age as a Baby Boomer, and the result is a medical boot and the sidelines for Tom Carper. DEMOCRATS CHOOSE BRYON SHORT FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTIONPosted: March 12, 2007 Bryon H. Short, once an aide to U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper when he was a congressman and governor, emerged as the Democrats' candidate for a Brandywine Hundred special election to replace former House Republican Majority Leader Wayne A. Smith. POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 10, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Republicans do their best to even the score in a volleyball competition with the Democrats. The legislative branch's loss is the executive branch's gain. BRANDYWINE HUNDRED DEMOCRATS ASTONISH THEMSELVESPosted: March 9, 2007 Even before a date has been set for a special election, the Brandywine Hundred Democrats are feeling like winners -- because state Rep. Wayne A. Smith, the Republican majority leader who was their nemesis, is giving up his seat, and they might even have a shot at it. HOUSE LEADERSHIP SLAMS STATE REP. JOHN ATKINSPosted: March 7, 2007 The Republican and Democratic leaders of the state House of Representatives unanimously have concluded that Rep. John C. Atkins, a three-term Millsboro Republican, dishonored the chamber by using his office to try to get around the law. REPUBLICAN ANNOUNCES AMID GOOD SPIRITS, NOT TO MENTION BEERPosted: March 6, 2007 The Republicans held their opening campaign ceremonies Tuesday at a popular tavern for James T. Bowers, the party's choice for a special election in Brandywine Hundred to replace state Rep. Wayne A. Smith, the Republican majority leader who is resigning. REPUBLICANS HAVE A CANDIDATE UNDER WRAPSPosted: March 4, 2007 The Republicans are the first party to come up with a candidate for the special election to replace state Rep. Wayne A. Smith, the House Republican majority leader who is giving up his Brandywine Hundred seat. EXTREME POLITICSPosted: March 1, 2007 The Republicans and the Democrats are rushing into full campaign mode for the special election caused by the resignation of state Rep. Wayne A. Smith, the Republican majority leader from Brandywine Hundred. Now if the only had a date and candidates . . . STATE REP. WAYNE SMITH'S EXIT SHAKES UP THE HOUSEPosted: Feb. 28, 2007 State Rep. Wayne A. Smith's surprise resignation has led to a political cliffhanger -- with questions about a new Republican majority leader, the fate of state Rep. John Atkins and the shifting party preferences in Brandywine Hundred. NEWS RELEASE: HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER WAYNE SMITH RESIGNSPosted: Feb. 27, 2007 State Rep. Wayne A. Smith, the Brandywine Hundred Republican who as been the majority leader since 1996, abruptly announced his resignation from the House of Representatives in a press release issued Tuesday evening. A LAW FIRM AS DELAWAREAN AS LONGWOOD GARDENSPosted: Feb. 27, 2007 Not many out-of-state organizations can find acceptance in Delaware, but a Philadelphia law firm appears to be accomplishing it through an office it opened in Wilmington. Delawareans flocked to its open house last week. REMEMBER JOHN ATKINS?Posted: Feb. 22, 2007 State Rep. John C. Atkins and his problems have not gone away, even though the Millsboro Republican wishes his problems would and the state House of Representatives and the Delaware Republican Party wish he would. MAVERICKS TOGETHER, CASTLE COMMITS TO MCCAINPosted: Feb. 20, 2007 John McCain became the first candidate for the Republican presidential nomination to pick up a significant endorsement in Delaware, when U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle announced his backing Tuesday in a united show of mavericks. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Feb. 16, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Democrats throw U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle into the briar patch. Staffers for U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper cash in and out. Sussex County Republicans find a new meaning in political football. JUSTICE DELAYED BUT NOT JUSTICE DENIEDPosted: Feb. 14, 2007 The Delaware Supreme Court disbarred an attorney when a woman he traumatized came forward 22 years later. In legal disciplinary cases, unlike criminal or civil matters, the statute of limitations never tolls. SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUEPosted: Feb. 11, 2007 State House Speaker Terry R. Spence was the man of the evening Saturday at the Kent County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner in Dover, even if it did take a measure of Democratic help to do it. Some was more welcome than others. TIMING IS EVERYTHINGPosted: Feb. 9, 2007 The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the political arm of the House Democrats, has U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, the eight-term Republican, in its sights for 2008, but the timing may not be what it could be. CHARLIE COPELAND FOR GOVERNOR?Posted: Feb. 7, 2007 State Sen. Charles L. Copeland picked up a new title this year as the Republican minority leader, but he is not ready to say whether he has his eye on another one -- governor. Still, there were clues when he traveled to Sussex County to give a speech. BACK ROOM BEGINNINGSPosted: Feb. 6, 2007 In these days of the perpetual campaign, the political back rooms already are humming with the workings of presidential candidates. Delaware Republicans found themselves courted by John McCain's operation, while Delaware Democrats talked up Joe Biden. CONGRESSIONAL NOTEBOOKPosted: Feb. 2, 2007 The power has shifted on Capitol Hill, and so has the way the Delaware congressional delegation is approaching the choice of a new federal court judge. Capitol Hill also sends out a definitive clue about U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle's intentions for 2008. NOT ALREADY!!Posted: Feb. 1, 2007 U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. got into the presidential race the same way he got out of his last one, saying something the wrong way. It was Biden being Biden, but not Biden being the best Biden he could be. WHO'S IN CHARGE HERE?Posted: Jan. 30, 2007 When the state House defeated Rep. Gregory F. Lavelle's legislation proposing deadlines for the introduction of the operating and construction budgets, Lavelle and a chorus of some fellow Republicans blamed the Democrats. It was not necessarily so. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Jan. 26, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. While the Democrats are preoccupied with a possible primary for governor, they could have one for lieutenant governor, too. The counsel to the governor heads for private practice. MIKE CASTLE'S BLUE HEAVENPosted: Jan. 24, 2007 The U.S. House of Representatives has gone from a Republican majority to a Democratic one. It means that U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle has shifted from the majority to the minority, not that anyone could tell from the first round of roll calls. MONEY IS THE FIRST PRIMARYPosted: Jan. 22, 2007 Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. had a very good year in fund raising and wants people to know about it. State Treasurer Jack A. Markell is letting his money do the talking for him. It has all the makings of a showdown for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2008. JOHN ATKINS CALLINGPosted: Jan. 18, 2007 State Rep. John C. Atkins took to his telephone as he searched for wiggle room in his legal troubles and placed some surprising calls. More recently, he decided to turn to a new attorney as he deals with a House Ethics Committee probe into his conduct. CLEANING UP JOHN ATKINSPosted: Jan. 16, 2007 State Rep. John C. Atkins, R-Probation, has dodged through a police stop in Ocean City, Md., and a court appearance in Delaware. Next up in a system that seems intent on cleaning him up is the House Ethics Committee in Dover. AMERICA'S MAYOR WONDERS ABOUT BEING AMERICA'S PRESIDENTPosted: Jan. 13, 2007 Rudy Giuliani came to Delaware to pick up an award as well as some attention for his possible candidacy for president, when he spoke Friday evening at a gala dinner and fund raiser for the state Republicans. He was just what the party needed. LEGISLATIVE NOTEBOOKPosted: Jan. 11, 2007 The Delaware General Assembly launched its new term this week in typical messiness, with intrigue over committee assignments and some counting by the House Republicans that came out close enough for government work. THE ATKINS TREATMENTPosted: Jan. 9, 2007 State Rep. John C. Atkins and his domestic violence charge have been a problem for the House of Representatives, but it could spill over to the Senate because of a meeting he had with the nominee who needs Senate confirmation to become the next corrections commissioner. THE SENIOR SENATOR FROM DELAWAREPosted: Jan. 5, 2007 That record U.S. Sen. William V. Roth Jr. held as the longest-serving statewide elected official in Delaware history? U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. is taking it from him, a little-noticed milestone in a volatile political career. BIDEN & SONPosted: Jan. 4, 2007 Delaware has nine statewide officeholders, and now two of them are named Biden. At a reception Wednesday evening at the Wilmington riverfront, the new attorney general had his public debut while the senator looked on. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Jan. 3, 2007 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The New Year is bringing changes to both major parties -- with the Democrats looking for new leadership in Sussex County and the Republicans installing a new executive director at state headquarters. RESOLVED . . .Posted: Dec. 27, 2006 The season for campaign promises has come and gone. Now it is time for New Year's resolutions for 2007 from an array of Delaware politicians, including Lt. Gov. John Carney, Treasurer Jack Markell, Senate Minority Leader Charile Copeland and others. STUPID POLITICAL TRICKSPosted: Dec. 20, 2006 As the 2006 election year fades away, it is time to recall the moments when the politicians became their own worst enemies. It was a pageant of ineptitude that struck regardless of experience, office or political affiliation. THAT'S REPRESENTATIVE ATKINS TO YOU, OFFICERPosted: Dec. 18, 2006 In the hours before state Rep. John C. Atkins was arrested at home in Millsboro in a domestic dispute, he was in Ocean City, Md., at a pre-Halloween party. When the police there pulled him over, he made sure they knew who he was. LEGISLATIVE NOTEBOOKPosted: Dec. 14, 2006 The shuffling of the Democratic leadership in the state Senate should not have been a surprise to Sen. Harris B. McDowell III, who was dealt out. State Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf knows what he is talking about when he urges people to "give the gift of life." POLI-TICKINGPosted: Dec. 12, 2006 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Judge Kent A. Jordan gets ready to join some tough critics. The Sussex County Republicans prepare for the end of William Swain Lee's tenure as their chair. STATE REP. DICK CATHCART IS IN THE MONEYPosted: Dec. 8, 2006 State Rep. Richard C. Cathcart, a Middletown Republican, is about to conduct a duet that the legislature has seen before -- a college administrator serving as the co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee. Not bad for someone who just lost a vote for House majority leader. REP. JOHN ATKINS GETS PROBATIONPosted: Dec. 5, 2006 State Rep. John C. Atkins had his day in court Monday on an offensive touching charge in a domestic dispute, although it was actually more like his 10 minutes in court. The Millsboro Republican was put on probation, leading to a political problem. JUDICIAL NOTEBOOKPosted: Dec. 4, 2006 Time is running out for a vote that would elevate U.S. District Judge Kent A. Jordan to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals before the Congress goes home for the year. Former Superior Court Judge Richard S. Gebelein makes plans to come home from Bosnia. REP. JOHN ATKINS WAS DRINKING BEFORE HIS ARRESTPosted: Dec. 1, 2006 State Rep. John C. Atkins was insistent that no alcohol was involved in a domestic argument that led to his arrest for offensive touching shortly before the election, but police in Ocean City, Md., say that was not the case. SEN. BIDEN'S OFFICE TARGETED IN FAKE ANTHRAX ATTACKPosted: Nov. 29, 2006 In a little-known incident, some powder and a threatening letter arrived last month in the Wilmington office of U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., a six-term Democrat, and gave the staff a scare. The powder was not anthrax. The FBI is investigating. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Nov. 27, 2006 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. A curious pattern has developed at a Sussex County political event. The Senate Republicans ponder their leadership. State Democratic Chair John Daniello gives driving tips. RETURN DAY IS FOR RIDDLESPosted: Nov. 9, 2006 Forget about Return Day being a time for reconciliation. The politicians are busy thinking about their next campaigns. . . whatever they are. Some of these once-and-future candidates are upfront about it, but others only drop clues through cryptic political stickers. ELECTION NOTEBOOKPosted: Nov. 8, 2006 Election Day in Delaware was very good to the labor movement, which worked closely but not exclusively with the Democrats. Election Day also set in motion a power struggle in the state House of Representatives over the choice for speaker. A DEMOCRATIC YEARPosted: Nov. 7, 2006 The Delaware Democrats set up an outsized get-out-the-vote drive on Election Day and used it to elect Beau Biden attorney general, run up huge victories for U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper and state Treasurer Jack A. Markell, and pick up three legislative seats. THE 2006 ELECTION "TOP TEN" LISTPosted: Nov. 5, 2006 Congressman Mike Castle, Speaker Terry Spence, Beau Biden and Jan Ting are some of the Delaware candidates who made the list involving weird stuff that never should have happened, but did, or should have happened, but never did. THERE ARE CARPER AND CASTLE, STANDING LIKE A FIREWALLPosted: Nov. 2, 2006 Change will not come easily, if it comes at all, on Election Day in Delaware. From U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper and U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle at the top of the ticket on down, not many races are competitive . . . except the one for attorney general, of course. RETIREMENT IS NOT AN OPTIONPosted: Nov. 1, 2006 James T. Vaughn Sr., the Democratic state senator from Clayton, can beat cancer. He can beat pneumonia. He is looking to beat Republican and minor-party challengers next week on Election Day. He is 81 and not giving up. REP. JOHN ATKINS ARRESTED IN DOMESTIC INCIDENTPosted: Oct. 29, 2006; updated: Oct. 30, 2006 State Rep. John C. Atkins, a Millsboro Republican, was arrested in the early morning hours Sunday after an argument at home with his wife Heather. With the election bearing down, he issued a press release and appeared on talk radio to discuss what happened. NO MORE WOOD AND BYRD, BUT WOOD OR BYRDPosted: Oct. 27, 2006; updated: Oct. 30, 2006 Nothing lasts forever, not even a dominant lobbying firm like Wood Byrd & Associates. William T. Wood Jr. and Robert L. Byrd are going their separate ways after 18 years as Byrd switches his affiliation to a Philadelphia-based law firm. CAMPAIGN NOTEBOOKPosted: Oct. 25, 2006 A campaign flier has escalated the political warfare between David P. Sokola, a Democratic state senator, and Michael J. Ramone, his Republican challenger, in Pike Creek Valley. A campaign road sign has escalated attention along state highways. THE LAST BANQUETPosted: Oct. 22, 2006 After living a unique and sociable life, Edward R. "Ned" Davis was remembered in a unique and sociable way Sunday afternoon in Dover. A memorial service for the counselor to Delaware officialdom was filled with the politics and poetry he loved so much. OFFICE POLITICSPosted: Oct. 20, 2006 The lines can get blurry when officeholders are running for re-election. Thomas R. Carper had one of those moments Friday when it was difficult to sort out what was happening with his Senate office and what was happening with his campaign office. EDWARD R. "NED" DAVIS, A MAN OF GLAD GRACEPosted: Oct. 18, 2006 Edward R. "Ned" Davis, an institution in Delaware political circles, died Wednesday morning at 78 after a lifetime as a newspaperman, press secretary, Democratic national committeeman and lobbyist. He was remembered fondly by Democrats and Republicans alike. REPUBLICANS CAN PAY FOR AS MUCH FREE SPEECH AS THEY WANTPosted: Oct. 17, 2006 The Delaware Republicans did their homework when they crafted campaign advertising for the attorney general's race. The party passed legal muster after an inquiry from the Democrats, who did not exactly have clean hands when they made their challenge. STATE REPUBLICANS BEAT THE ODDS AT VICMEAD, uh, BIDERMANNPosted: Oct. 14, 2006 The omens were not good. Things kept going wrong for the Delaware Republicans as the time grew closer and closer for the 22nd annual "Salute at Vicmead," the party's premier fund raiser, but in the end, the event was not cursed, but charmed. SAY IT AIN'T SO, FERRISPosted: Oct. 12, 2006 In a political campaign, almost anything is fair game. It is all right for Democrat Beau Biden to be a target of Ferris W. Wharton and his fellow Republicans in the attorney general's race, but now Wharton has taken on a fact of Delaware life. CALL THE ELECTIONS COMMISSIONER, GET HIM TO STOP THE ADSPosted: Oct. 11, 2006 The Delaware Democrats have taken legal issue with the Republican Party's advertising in the attorney general's race. The Republicans insist they are following the law, and the elections commissioner has been asked to decide. KENT COUNTY DEMOCRATS WANT TO PUT SOME LIFE IN THE PARTYPosted: Oct. 10, 2006 For too long, the Kent County Democrats have watched Delaware go Democratic without them. At their annual "Belle Everett" Dinner at the Felton Fire Hall on Monday night, they showed they are doing what they can to turn their fortunes around. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Oct. 6, 2006 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Delaware Republicans get picky about the information they want to provide. William Swain Lee finds surprising help for the Sussex County Republicans' get-out-the-vote operation. CONGRESSIONAL NOTEBOOKPosted: Oct. 3, 2006 U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, despite his small stroke last month, is running for an eighth term, but there is a possibility he will make this campaign his last one. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is keeping Kent A. Jordan from finishing one judicial term and starting another. MIKE CASTLE CALLINGPosted: Sept. 30, 2006 A week after U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle had a stroke, he was up to doing the talking for himself, instead of relying on his staff and doctors. The seven-term congressman discussed his situation Saturday morning in a telephone conference with reporters. MARKELL RUNS, BUT WHERE HE STOPS, NOBODY KNOWSPosted: Sept. 28, 2006 State Treasurer Jack A. Markell, the two-term Democrat, declared his candidacy for re-election Thursday, not even particularly trying to hide that his campaign was as much about 2008 as 2006. No, he would not commit to serving a four-year term. CASTLE GOES HOME FROM THE HOSPITALPosted: Sept. 27, 2006 U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle was home in Wilmington on Wednesday evening and issued a statement through his office to thank the medical personnel who treated him for a small stroke. His cardiologist said he needs time to rest. WHO IS STELL PARKER SELBY, ANYWAY?Posted: Sept. 26, 2006 The Republicans found a candidate for state treasurer at the filing deadline, and now she is finding her way around the state. Esthelda R. "Stell" Parker Selby declared her candidacy Tuesday with the customary tour throughout Delaware. THE NOT-SO-PRIVATE LIFE OF A PUBLIC OFFICIALPosted: Sept. 25, 2006 When U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle had his minor stroke on Saturday, it not only involved his doctors, his family and his closest associates but the Delaware public, too. The personal and political recovery of this seven-term Republican depended on it. "THE CONGRESSMAN DID HAVE A STROKE"Posted: Sept. 24, 2006 Doctors treating U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle at Christiana Hospital held a press conference Sunday evening to talk about the seven-term congressman's medical condition the day after he had a small stroke. They were optimistic about his recovery. CASTLE GOES TO THE HOSPITAL AFTER FEELING SICKPosted: Sept. 23, 2006 U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle was in Christiana Hospital after feeling ill Saturday morning. His office was releasing little information about his condition. Castle, a Republican, is running for his eighth term this year. CASTLE RETURNS TO CONVENTION, GENEVA AND OTHERWISEPosted: Sept. 22, 2006 Before there was a compromise, U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle was on the side of Republicans bucking the White House by wanting legislation that would uphold the Geneva Conventions. It was more typical of Castle than his recent appearance with the House majority leader. JEFFERSON, JACKSON AND JOE, JOHN AND JACK AND BEAUPosted: Sept. 19, 2006 The mood was upbeat as the Delaware Democrats gathered Monday evening in Dover to celebrate past, present and what they hope are their future leaders in preparation for Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 7. A MODERATE MISCALCULATIONPosted: Sept. 16, 2006 John A. Boehner, the House Republican majority leader from Ohio, came to Delaware on Saturday for a fund raiser for U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle. It was a quiet event with little publicity, and there was a reason for it. ABSENTEE-IN-CHIEFPosted: Sept. 14, 2006 There were 393,139 Democratic and Republican voters who did not turn out Tuesday on Primary Day, but there was one in particular who stood out for neither going to the polls nor casting an absentee ballot, someone who really should have known better. PRIMARY LIFTS DEMOCRATS AND TRIPS UP REPUBLICANSPosted: Sept. 12, 2006 Primary Day 2006 was a good time to be an endorsed candidate for the Democrats, but not so good to be a Republican with the party's backing. The smallest of turnouts exposed the biggest of weaknesses for the Republicans as the campaign season rushes toward November. PRIMARY PRIMERPosted: Sept. 11, 2006 Primary Day is Tuesday in Delaware with 15 races for statewide and legislative nominations on the ballot -- 10 for the Democrats and five for the Republicans. Here is a breakdown of what to expect from the voting. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Sept. 10, 2006 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The fax machine becomes a political weapon in the last days before the primary. Judge Richard S. Gebelein comes home for his retirement dinner from the National Guard. CARPER GOES FOR AN EVEN DOZENPosted: Sept. 9, 2006 U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper spent his Saturday touring the state to declare for office for the 12th time, and still people came to listen. The leader of the Democratic ticket began his day at the Wilmington Riverfront and drew the most attention for what he had to say about Iraq. BIDEN AND WHARTON GIVE GENTLEMANLY OPENING STATEMENTSPosted: Sept. 7, 2006 In the first joint forum of the attorney general's race, Democrat Beau Biden and Republican Ferris W. Wharton met Wednesday evening in Lewes for what turned out to be a lawyerly exchange without much in the way of political fireworks. KING OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADPosted: Sept. 5, 2006 U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle is staying away from the extreme makeover of national politics. In his campaign for an eighth term as Delaware's lone congressman, the Republican ex-governor is running on his credentials as a political moderate. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Aug. 31, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. State Auditor R. Thomas Wagner Jr. gets silent. U.S. District Judge Kent A. Jordan gets a date in D.C. with the Senate. The race for attorney general gets debates. NOT ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED FORPosted: Aug. 27, 2006 The Sussex County Democratic Beach Jamboree was missing some of its usual speakers when party members gathered Saturday evening at Cape Henlopen State Park to get their customary start on the campaign season. WHEN IS A SPEECH JUST A SPEECH?Posted: Aug. 25, 2006 When K.C. Keeler talks, people in Delaware pay attention, so it became important to know why the University of Delaware's football coach gave a speech at a political breakfast for Michael J. Ramone, a Republican legislative candidate. SAVING THE CROSSANSPosted: Aug. 24, 2006 A week after David A. Crossan, the Republicans' executive director, and his wife Elizabeth had their second son on June 1, Elizabeth experienced headaches, a sign that something was terribly wrong. Since then, the help has poured in from fellow Republicans and others. CONGRESSIONAL NOTEBOOKPosted: Aug. 23, 2006 The Congress is in summer recess, but the Delaware delegation is not idle. Politics is in full swing for U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, who goes to a fund-raiser, and for U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, who plans one, and for U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., who gets press. WHARTON HAS A LOW-DOLLAR BUT HIGH-SATIRE EVENTPosted: Aug. 18, 2006 Four dollars bought admission to a rally in Newark for Ferris W. Wharton, the Republican candidate for attorney general, and a reminder that Beau Biden, the Democratic candidate, has spent only four years of his legal career as a Delaware lawyer. GEBELEIN RETIRES FROM THE NATIONAL GUARDPosted: Aug. 16, 2006 Judge Richard S. Gebelein will be home next month for a ceremonial dinner observing his retirement from the Delaware Army National Guard, taking a break from an assignment he began almost a year ago on an international court in Bosnia. MORE POLI-TICKINGPosted: Aug. 15, 2006 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Delaware Republicans zero in on a candidate against state Treasurer Jack A. Markell, the two-term Democrat. Dennis Spivack, the Democratic congressional candidate, thinks he has been had. THE LAST DUPONTERPosted: Aug. 10, 2006 State Sen. David P. Sokola, a Pike Creek Valley Democrat, is in a tough re-election fight against Michael J. Ramone, a Republican who nearly beat him last time. Not only is Sokola's seat at stake but his distinction as the last DuPonter in the legislature. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Aug. 8, 2006 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle flexes his political muscle. Federal Judge Kent A. Jordan has to wait a while for what he wants, but state Rep. Robert F. Gilligan does not. CANDIDATES ARE BOUNCED, AND SO IS THE OCCASIONAL CHECKPosted: Aug. 4, 2006 Friday was the deadline for candidates to withdraw without forfeiting their filing fees. The Democrats sorted out some candidates for a Wilmington legislative seat, and the Republicans sorted out some filing fees. "A" IS FOR AUGUST AND A.I. DU PONT . . . AND ALLIEPosted: Aug. 3, 2006 U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle made political history when his stem cell bill became the president's first veto. He would rather make medical history, so he went to the A.I. du Pont Hospital for Children to talk about the need for stem cell research. HOWARD DEAN DOES NOT COME CHEAPPosted: Aug. 1, 2006 Delaware Democrats like Howard Dean a lot more as their national party chair than they did as a presidential candidate. An appreciative crowd turned out for him Tuesday afternoon in Wilmington. It did not hurt that he sent money before he came. IT'S DEADLINE TIME FOR THE NEXT LEGION OF SUPER-POLITICIANSPosted: July 26, 2006; updated: July 27, 2006 Why is this election different from the last four elections? Because it signals a winding down of the competition to get into the next generation of political leadership. The clue comes from a couple of holes on the ballot as the candidates' filing deadline approaches. POLI-TICKINGPosted: July 24, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. State Treasurer Jack A. Markell goes for a long bike ride. Justice Carolyn Berger goes for a new 12-year term on the Delaware Supreme Court. IT TAKES A WHOLE LOT OF MONEYPosted: July 20, 2006 Jan C. Ting, the Republican senatorial candidate, and Dennis Spivack, the Democratic congressional candidate, both recently topped $100,000 in contributions. It sounds like a lot, until compared with the war chest of the last challenger who won. A WAR OF WORDS OVER FERRIS WHARTONPosted: July 5, 2006 Ferris W. Wharton's candidacy for attorney general means so much to the Republican Party that internal arguments are raging about it. Not much attention has been given to what the candidate himself thinks about his own campaign. SIX (RETIRING) IN '06Posted: July 1, 2006 Five planned retirements turned into six when state Rep. Joseph G. DiPinto surprised his colleagues with an end-of-session announcement early Saturday morning, contributing to an institutional drain and a more volatile election season. IT'S A GRAND OLD VOTEPosted: June 28, 2006 A mid-summer dream for a politician is a chance to get poetic about the flag with the Fourth of July just a calendar flip away. The flag-burning amendment in the U.S. Senate provided the opportunity that candidates wanted. FILE WHEN READYPosted: June 26, 2006 Richard J. Korn is not a lawyer, but lawsuits have been a big part of his claim to fame in a search for political office that has taken him from New York to Delaware, from budget watchdog to tabloid television. His current endeavor is for the state legislature. FERRIS WHARTON IS FINED $100 FOR CAMPAIGN SIGNSPosted: June 21, 2006 The Delaware Transportation Department has a new law on the books to help it clear away signs that are too close to the road, and campaign signs for Ferris W. Wharton, the Republican candidate for attorney general, are among the first to be removed this election year. CANDIDATES GET TO KNOW REPUBLICAN PALS AT THE LEWES CANALPosted: June 19, 2006 A Republican gathering Saturday evening along the Lewes canal offered a sense of the familiar to Jan C. Ting, the party's candidate for the U.S. Senate, and Ferris W. Wharton, the candidate for state attorney general, even if they are new to campaigning. POLI-TICKINGPosted: June 16, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Judge Richard S. Gebelein offers a world's view of Sarajevo. Some Delaware lawyers find their adversaries in their own law firms. TING HAS A FLAG DAY KICK-OFF FOR A FLAGGING CAMPAIGNPosted: June 14, 2006 The little U.S. Flags were waving as Republican Jan C. Ting stood outside of Legislative Hall in Dover on Flag Day to declare his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, but did he do enough to get even his own party's attention? THE HERO AT THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTIONPosted: June 13, 2006 When the Delaware Democrats met last Friday in Dover for their state convention, most party members did not realize the significance of what U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper was going to say and the impact it would have. DELAWARE DEMOCRATS HAVE A HOT TIME IN DOVERPosted: June 10, 2006 The weather was hot, and so was the political rhetoric as the Delaware Democrats endorsed statewide candidates Friday evening during a convention in Dover and John D. Daniello, the state chair, kept the heat on his party to deliver. IT'S OUR PARTY, AND YOU'LL RUN IF WE WANT YOUPosted: June 8, 2006 Neither the Delaware Democrats nor the Delaware Republicans are interested in sharing their ballots with anyone from another party. They are working together on a new law that would keep minor-party candidates from hitching a ride. REPUBLICAN BOO-BOO ON BEAU BIDENPosted: June 6, 2006 When political parties pay for radio spots, it is supposed to generate support among their membership. The Delaware Republican Party appears to have missed the mark with advertising aimed at Beau Biden, the Democratic candidate for attorney general. THE SON ALSO RISESPosted: June 1, 2006 As Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III declared his candidacy for attorney general, he traveled throughout the state to events that were part Democratic political rallies and part family reunions. Now it is up to Biden to live up to his famous name. GARY HUTT COULD BE THE TICKETPosted: May 30, 2006 The Democrats are poised to be the first to fill their statewide ticket, although the last spot for state auditor appears to be going to a candidate who does not give them the "A" list challenger they wanted against Republican incumbent R. Thomas Wagner Jr. POLI-TICKINGPosted: May 25, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. If Michael N. Castle can raise money in the congressional race, Dennis Spivack can, too. State Rep. Tina Fallon gets a tribute from John McCain as well as state Rep. J. Benjamin Ewing. HOFFA'S FATE WAS "DUST TO DUST"Posted: May 23, 2006 The FBI should not bother looking for Jimmy Hoffa on a Michigan farm, not if there is anything to a tale of the hit told by confessed triggerman Frank Sheeran to Charles Brandt, the former Delaware prosecutor who wrote about it in I Heard You Paint Houses. JOHN MCCAIN VISITS DELAWARE'S GOLD STAR TOWNPosted: May 21, 2006 On a day when Seaford was remembering its fallen Marines and recognizing state Rep. Tina Fallon, it also had a visit from John McCain, the Republican presidential prospect and war hero invited to Delaware by U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle. POLI-TICKINGPosted: May 17, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle is set to capitalize on a visit from John McCain. State Supreme Court Justice Randy J. Holland appraises some furniture. REPORTS OF HER RETIREMENT ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATEDPosted: May 8, 2006 When Gov. Ruth Ann Minner got the last word at the 15th annual Gridiron, she used it to stop a little mischief-making about her future in office and to spread a little of her own Saturday in the spirit of the spoofs and skits of the political roast. THE SOUTH CAROLINA STRATEGYPosted: May 4, 2006 U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. was in South Carolina on Monday. He invited a South Carolina senator to Delaware in April. He took a 3-day trip to the state in March. It looks very much like a strategy for running for president in 2008. CONVENTION NOTEBOOKPosted: May 1, 2006 The Republican state convention at Dewey Beach showcased a lot of speechmakers over the weekend, from the New York governor to a local College Republican. There was also some one-upmanship with a fife-and-drum corps. FERRIS IS A BIG WHEELPosted: April 29, 2006 Delaware Republicans at their state convention this weekend could not lavish enough attention on Ferris W. Wharton, the candidate for attorney general. Some of it was because of Wharton, but a lot of it was because of his Democratic opponent. JANE ROTH NEARS SEMI-RETIREMENT TO OPEN UP A JUDGESHIPPosted: April 27, 2006; updated: April 28, 2006 After more than two decades on the federal bench, Judge Jane R. Roth is ready to cut her workload and open up a highly desirable seat on the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. The candidates for it are a who's who of Delaware judges. SEN. CHUCK HAGEL STORMS IN FOR CASTLE (AND HIMSELF)Posted: April 26, 2006 U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican, came to Delaware to raise some money for U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle. He also raised some buzz about himself and maybe the blood pressure of his fellow party members, too. MORE POLI-TICKINGPosted: April 25, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and other Legislative Hall Democrats come out for Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. for governor. Republicans lose a candidate for state treasurer. DEBATABLE CONSEQUENCESPosted: April 21, 2006 The Republicans held a debate Thursday evening for their U.S. Senate candidates, but it was clear that Jan C. Ting already was looking ahead to his campaign against Democratic Sen. Thomas R. Carper. So was the rest of the party. POLI-TICKINGPosted: April 19, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. State Rep. Hazel Plant and the Rev. Al Sharpton continue their mutual admiration society. Beau Biden tends to a family tradition in his campaign for attorney general. FOR JAN TING, THE VIETNAM WAR WAS ONLY HECKPosted: April 13, 2006 As a college student, Jan C. Ting went to Oberlin College when it was a radicalized campus against the Vietnam War. What he did then has dogged his campaign as a conservative Republican running for the U.S. Senate. CARNEY SAMPLES RAINBOW POLITICSPosted: April 10, 2006 The Delaware Liberty Fund, a bipartisan organization of gay voters, held its annual springtime party Sunday, and guess who came to the reception? The guest speaker was Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr., the two-term Democrat. FOUR DOWN, ONE TO GO FOR THE STATEWIDE TICKETSPosted: April 7, 2006 The Delaware Democrats and the Republicans both need one more candidate to set their statewide tickets for the election. The parties have names to consider, although nothing is settled yet. THE POLITICS OF INOCULATIONPosted: April 5, 2006 As a Republican running in a Democratic blue state, U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle knows what he has to do to inoculate himself against the policies and politics that permeate Capitol Hill but could be unwelcome back home. POLI-TICKINGPosted: April 3, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. In a world of fictional politics, a candidate named "Beau Smith" could have a shot for attorney general and a dog named "Lenny" could have a legislative agenda. TING RUNS WITH AN ISSUE, BUT CAN HE OUTPACE CARPER?Posted: March 29, 2006 The national debate on immigration plays to the strength of Jan C. Ting, but being an expert goes only so far in the Republican challenger's race against U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, a Democrat seeking his second term. MORE POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 27, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Ferris W. Wharton tells the Republicans "yes" for attorney general. Robert B. Wasserbach tells the Democrats "no" for auditor. ABOUT THAT CAMPAIGN PROMISE . . .Posted: March 23, 2006 The campaign pledge from New Castle County Executive Christopher A. Coons, a Democrat elected in 2004, was as clear as it could be -- "no increase in property taxes" -- until he gave his budget address earlier this week. VETS' LETTER ON JAN TING GETS WINGEDPosted: March 21, 2006 A local veterans' group gets the word that its letterhead should not have been used for a letter written about Jan C. Ting, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, but the military association wants to have its say, anyway. POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 18, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Irish eyes are on U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. on St. Patrick's Day. Democrats and Republicans face off for bragging rights in a charity volleyball match. IF TROUBLE KNOCKS, IT IS NOT FOR CARL DANBERGPosted: March 16, 2006 Carl C. Danberg was in the right place at the right time to be appointed Delaware's attorney general. Perhaps more important, he knows how not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is a lifelong trait. HARKINS IS CLOSE TO COMING HOMEPosted: March 14, 2006 Michael E. Harkins, the former secretary of state, is about to be assigned to a halfway house in Delaware for the last weeks of the federal prison sentence he received for his abuses at the Delaware River & Bay Authority. THIS POLITICAL VOLLEYING IS FOR A GOOD CAUSEPosted: March 10, 2006 Easter Seals is giving some Democratic and Republican politicians an opportunity to do what they do best -- take shots at one another. Both parties are fielding teams in Easter Seals' annual charity volleyball tournament. THE MOST THANKLESS JOB IN STATE POLITICSPosted: March 7, 2006 Dennis Spivack boldly went Tuesday where Democrats generally prefer not to go -- into a campaign against U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, a seven-term Republican, for Delaware's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. MARKELL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTYINGPosted: March, 6, 2006 "Get to Know Jack" is a statewide tour that Democratic Treasurer Jack A. Markell launched Saturday as part of his run for re-election -- and for whatever else his future in politics holds. It began in Newark, his old home town. JAN TING PREVAILS IN SENATE POLL AGAINST DIRTY TRICKSPosted: March, 4, 2006; updated: March 6, 2006 U.S. Senate candidate Jan C. Ting overcame a challenge from a youthful version of himself to win a straw poll of Republican Party officials, who accepted his regrets of his student-age protests against the Vietnam War. POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 2, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. State Sen. Thurman G. Adams Jr. gets a singular honor in Sussex County. The Republicans multiply their voice in New Castle County. TRAVELS WITH CHARLIEPosted: Feb. 28, 2006 Charles L. Copeland has been making the rounds in Sussex County, far away from the Republican state senator's Chateau Country district. It looks as though it has a lot to do with the next election for governor in 2008. A DAY OF SHADOW CAMPAIGNING FOR CARPER AND TINGPosted: Feb. 21, 2006 In the middle of winter, there was an early glimmer of the campaign that will take shape between Democratic Sen. Thomas R. Carper and Republican challenger Jan C. Ting, as they had a tandem display of public appearances. GOP WANTS FERRIS WHARTON FOR ATTORNEY GENERALPosted: Feb. 17, 2006 The Delaware Republicans are looking for an experienced prosecutor to counter Democrat Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III in the election for attorney general. They may have found one in Assistant U.S. Attorney Ferris W. Wharton. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Feb. 16, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, the seven-term Republican, shows some political clairvoyance on Capitol Hill. He does not show the same at home. POSTCARDS FROM THE REPUBLICAN EDGEPosted: Feb. 14, 2006 The Delaware Republicans have not been in the majority in the state Senate since 1973. That sort of record can make a party try things it has never tried before to break the Democratic lock in the 2006 election. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DELAWARE REPUBLICANS AND JOE BIDEN'S SENATE STAFF?Posted: Feb. 10, 2006; updated: Feb. 13, 2006 The Delaware Republicans wasted no time embracing a newspaper story explaining how the staff of Democratic Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. had edited an online encyclopedia entry. Actually, they embraced it a little too much. A HOUSE SPOUSE FINDS WORK AT DEVELOPMENT OFFICEPosted: Feb. 9, 2006 After the mass dismissal of 10 people last summer, the Delaware Economic Development Office has found someone to take over one of the jobs, and he happens to be married to a Democratic state representative. JOHN MCCAIN PAYS HIS RESPECTSPosted: Feb. 6, 2006 When the big checks rolled in for the Republican tribute to W. Laird Stabler Jr., there was one that stood out. It came from U.S. Sen. John McCain, and although it had something to do with Stabler, it also had a lot to do with McCain. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Feb. 1, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Republicans get a Senate candidate. A Wilmington lawyer has a prime seat for the "State of the Union." Judge Richard S. Gebelein checks in from Bosnia. DOLLARS FOR DEMOCRATSPosted: Jan. 30, 2006 The Democrats' statewide candidates are taking in contributions like a party in power. Jack Markell, John Carney and Beau Biden all brought in donations worth upwards of six figures. The Republicans could not say the same. THE LAST GENTLEMAN IN POLITICSPosted: Jan. 28, 2006 W. Laird Stabler Jr. has spent 40 years in politics without making an enemy. The Republican icon was celebrated for it at a lavish event that drew everyone from former President George H.W. Bush to some hard-core Democrats. REPUBLICANS TRY AGAIN FOR A SENATE CANDIDATEPosted: Jan. 26, 2006 The Delaware Republicans are far from giving up in searching for a credible candidate to run against U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper. Their gaze has fallen on a law professor who knows his way around the news media. A HEALTHY COMPETITION BETWEEN JACK & JOHNPosted: Jan. 24, 2006 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner not only had something to say about the "State of the State" in her annual address. She also had something to say about the state of the competition for the 2008 Democratic nomination for governor. STEM CELL RESEARCH RAISES A POLITICAL PANICPosted: Jan. 18, 2006 What was once a bill designed to promote embryonic stem cell research was transformed into an anti-cloning bill, as the state House of Representatives backed away from it Wednesday in a case of election-year jitters. PLANT NOURISHES KING'S LEGACYPosted: Jan. 16, 2006 For 22 years, state Rep. Hazel D. Plant and the Organization of Minority Women have hosted a breakfast on the state holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but they have never held an event as grand as the one they had this year. HOW THE TICKETS LOOK FOR DEMOCRATS AND REP-BL-C-NSPosted: Jan. 13, 2006 The Delaware Democrats are close to assembling a statewide ticket for the 2006 campaign, while the Republicans have major gaps in theirs. It is another sign that the Republicans are continuing to play catch-up in state politics. COURT IN MOUTHPosted: Jan. 11, 2006 Delawareans would not need two guesses to say which senator emerged as the wordiest of all Tuesday during the wind fest that was the confirmation hearing for Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. before the Judiciary Committee. STEM CELLS REGENERATE SAME DEBATEPosted: Jan. 9, 2006 As the Delaware General Assembly goes back into session this week, it will pick up where it left off as it considers legislation that would encourage embryonic stem cell research. It is an emotional debate that has brought prayer and suffering inside Legislative Hall. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Jan. 3, 2006 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. does what no other member of Congress did. The Delaware Republicans close out their year by recognizing the opposition. CORDREY, SHARP . . . AND DAVE MCBRIDE?Posted: Dec. 20, 2005 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner is in need of a new transportation secretary, and this year she showed a preference for old Senate caucus mates in her Cabinet. Another one, state Sen. David B. McBride, says he is available. There are those who want him, and those who don't. MOVE OVER, IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIREPosted: Dec. 16, 2005 After coming up empty in two presidential elections, the Democrats are talking about revising the presidential election calendar to lessen the clout of Iowa and New Hampshire, not that either state intends to roll over. There also are some implications for Delaware. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Dec. 12, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Republicans discover they do have a use for Beau Biden, the Democrat running for attorney general. The Superior Court answers the question, where have all the sashes gone, long time passing? THE DECORUM AFTER THE STORMPosted: Dec. 8, 2005 When Carl C. Danberg took the oath to become attorney general, he restored order after what has been a riveting episode in Delaware politics, full of dealing and speculation. He emerged as the right man in the right place at the right time. MY FAIR BRADYPosted: Dec. 7, 2005 M. Jane Brady traded in her political life as a Republican attorney general for judicial life as a Superior Court judge in a swearing-in ceremony that could not have done more to draw a contrast between the two. RICH ABBOTT: THE PREQUELPosted: Dec. 6, 2005 Last week Richard L. Abbott, a Hockessin lawyer, ran afoul of the court because of what he wrote. Two years ago he ran afoul of the court because of what he said, and it was serious enough to lead to a disciplinary sanction, now expunged. THE COURT IS NOT AMUSEDPosted: Dec. 1, 2005 There is a time and place for sarcasm, but the Superior Court is not it. Richard L. Abbott, a Hockessin lawyer and former New Castle County councilman, has been told by Judge Jan R. Jurden it is not nice to imply that county officials are monkeys. JANE BRADY'S LAST CONTRIBUTIONSPosted: Nov. 30, 2005 Before Attorney General M. Jane Brady becomes a Superior Court judge next week, there are some things that belong to her that she has to give away. How appropriate that she is managing to do it in this holiday season. A DISPATCH FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT IN BOSNIAPosted: Nov. 23, 2005 Hear ye, hear ye, Judge Richard S. Gebelein is sitting in the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, his location since he took early retirement from the Superior Court here. As he did as a JAG officer in Afghanistan, he is sending e-mail home. MINNER FINDS AN ATTORNEY GENERAL ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUEPosted: Nov. 21, 2005 Never mind all the dealing that went into the creation of a vacancy for attorney general. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has turned to Carl C. Danberg, the chief deputy attorney general, to fill the opening. It is an appointment that is virtually impossible to criticize. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Nov. 18, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Charles M. Oberly III holds the record for tenure as attorney general and would be willing to extend it, if asked. The Democrats have someone thinking about the congressional race. BEAU BIDEN SAYS NO TO AN APPOINTMENT BUT YES TO A CAMPAIGNPosted: Nov. 16, 2005 Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III has decided the only way he wants to be attorney general is to get elected. As the word spread that he turned down an appointment that was the back end of a political deal, he said he would run for the office next year. MICHELE ROLLINS SAYS THANKS BUT NO THANKS TO A SENATE RACEPosted: Nov. 14, 2005 State Republicans will have to look for another candidate, now that Michele M. Rollins has told them her business commitments stand in the way of a race against U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, the Democrat who is up for re-election next year. STATE REP. TINA FALLON IS READY TO RETIREPosted: Nov. 13, 2005; updated: Nov. 14, 2005 There was not much suspense in the announcement that state Rep. Tina Fallon made Monday in Seaford. Her retirement at age 88 has been anticipated by both her fellow Republicans and the Democrats. She also endorsed Seaford Mayor Daniel B. Short for her seat. A DEAL IS A DEAL, FOR ALL THATPosted: Nov. 10, 2005 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner had something that Attorney General M. Jane Brady wanted, and Brady had something to give in return. A deal was born. It joins a centuries-old tradition on how Delaware judges get to the bench. JANE BRADY AND POLITICS HAVE THEIR DAYPosted: Nov. 9, 2005 The state Senate voted overwhelmingly to confirm Attorney General M. Jane Brady as a Superior Court judge over the objections of a lawyer who protested that politics was behind the appointment. As if the Senate did not know that? BAR ASSOCIATION WON'T OPPOSE BRADYPosted: Nov. 4, 2005 Another possible barrier to Attorney General M. Jane Brady's nomination to the Superior Court melted away, when the Delaware State Bar Association decided to keep any objections it may have to itself and not go to the state Senate with them. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Nov. 2, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Michele M. Rollins thinks about getting in. Tina Fallon thinks about getting out. The Bankruptcy Court is ready for new judges. Richard H. Bayard is ready for a new partnership. A PREGNANT SILENCE FROM BEAU BIDENPosted: Oct. 30, 2005 The timing was as good as it gets. As M. Jane Brady, the Republican attorney general, heads for the bench, the Democrats held a dinner keynoted by Beau Biden, their projected candidate. He had an announcement, but not the one his party was waiting for. BRADY GETS THE GOVERNOR'S NOD FOR A JUDGESHIPPosted: Oct. 27, 2005 Attorney General M. Jane Brady has the governor's approval to trade in the shoe leather of the campaign trail for the robe of a judge. Brady was included in a number of judicial appointments that Gov. Ruth Ann Minner sent to the Senate late Thursday afternoon. HANG ON, THOSE NEW BANKRUPTCY JUDGES ARE COMINGPosted: Oct. 27, 2005 Relief is on the way for the federal Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. Interviews are said to be scheduled for five candidates who are up for four new judgeships to create a six-member bench for the busy court, known for handling corporate mega-cases. TO NO ONE'S SURPRISE, BRADY MAKES THE CUT FOR THE COURTPosted: Oct. 25, 2005 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has to make her choice by the end of the week for a Superior Court judgeship from a list forwarded by her Judicial Nominating Commission. Surprise, surprise, Attorney General M. Jane Brady is said to be on the list. MORE RUMBLINGS ABOUT MICHELE ROLLINSPosted: Oct. 15, 2005 Michele M. Rollins did not even have to attend the "Salute at Vicmead," the premier fund-raiser for the Delaware Republican Party, to increase the speculation that she is taking a serious look at running against U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, the Democrat up for election next year. WHAT DOES CARPER WANT?Posted: Oct. 13, 2005 U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper has been busy, engaged in everything from giving a grant to a local fire company to joining a discussion on the future of the national Democratic Party and coming in for some strange scrutiny on Capitol Hill. Apparently there is something big on his mind. GOOD LUCK SCALING A POLITICAL PLATEAUPosted: Oct. 11, 2005 The politics is glacial in the Delaware Senate, where the Democratic majority never seems to change and the membership only slightly less so. Despite that history, there will be efforts to shift matters around in the election next year. WANTED: REPUBLICAN STAR TO RUN AGAINST CARPERPosted: Oct. 5, 2005 A top-name Republican is said to be thinking about running against U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, the Democrat whose term is up next year. State Republican Chairman Terry A. Strine is not saying who it is, but he offered up a description. One Republican in particular fits the bill. STATE REPUBLICANS ARE ADRIFT ON AN EBB TIDEPosted: Oct. 3, 2005 The Delaware Republican Party is in desperate need of a comeback, some of its woes the result of forces beyond its control, some of them self-inflicted and some a combination of both. Much of its downfall comes from the loss of its longtime business partner. THE CARNEY TOUCHPosted: Sept. 30, 2005 Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. collected a wad of campaign contributions, mostly from lawyers, for earnest money toward a 2008 campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor. Not all who gave their money are guaranteed to give their vote, though. HOW TO BE FUNNY IN POLITICS WITHOUT EVEN TRYINGPosted: Sept. 26, 2005 Even politics has a silly season. It is what happens when the Republicans go calling on a Democratic senator's office, when the congressional delegation sends out a press release, and when a Republican also-ran decides to take a survey. IN THIS DELAWARE LAW FIRM, IT'S DEGREES OF CONJUGATIONPosted: Sept. 21, 2005 A merger between two Delaware law firms has created a model of connections in a state that is known for them. The consolidated practice is bound together by legal, political and family ties, as well as by a certain elected office that the lawyers really rather would not talk about. "IT'S GOOD TO BE A B.A.D."Posted: Sept. 19, 2005 Brandywine Hundred is not what it used to be. For decades it was Republican territory, but the times are changing. Now the Democrats are finding friendly voters there. The party calls them B.A.D. -- "Brandywine Area Democrats" -- and had a picnic for them. BRADY APPLIES FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGESHIPPosted: Sept. 15, 2005 Attorney General M. Jane Brady has decided she would rather be a Superior Court judge than run for a fourth term next year, as she was widely expected to do. Instead, she appears to be leaving her fellow Republicans in a terrible lurch. BRADY LOOKS LIKE SHE'S RUNNING BUT . . .Posted: Sept. 12, 2005 Attorney General M. Jane Brady is acting as though she is running for re-election, holding her customary fund raiser and such, but it is also possible that the three-term Republican could go in a different direction. Her situation will become clearer after Thursday. MARKELL MOVES INTO CAMPAIGN MODE WITH A NEW MANAGERPosted: Sept. 9, 2005 State Treasurer Jack A. Markell already has the money for his 2006 re-election campaign, and now he has the man he wants to run it. It is another sign of how serious Markell is about advancing politically, even as he still shies away from talking about it. AN ITCH FOR "SIX IN '06"Posted: Sept. 2, 2005 Delaware Democrats are working to recruit candidates for the state House of Representatives in response to a speech in the spring from House Minority Leader Robert F. Gilligan, who called on his party to elect "Six in '06" and overturn the Republican majority. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Aug. 31, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper has an early encounter with Hurricane Katrina in the Florida Keys. Word of a new law firm around town surfaces hastily. A SUSSEX COUNTY BIDEN JAMBOREEPosted: Aug. 28, 2005 For years and years, the Sussex County Democratic Beach Jamboree at Cape Henlopen State Park has been a political stage for U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. The 2005 version was more of the same, particularly with his son waiting in the wings. LEGAL NOTESPosted: Aug. 26, 2005 There are some interesting questions swirling through the Delaware bench and bar these days. One of them is about a potential replacement for Richard S. Gebelein on the Superior Court, and another is about a lawyer who unceremoniously left Richards Layton & Finger. FOOD FOR POLITICAL THOUGHTPosted: Aug. 21, 2005 Summertime in Delaware is for picnics in Sussex County, so both the Democrats and the Republicans made the most of it Saturday as they served up food and politics. Even U.S. Sen. George Allen, the Virginia Republican in the next presidential pack, dropped in. CASTLE HAS HIS POLITICS DOWN TO A SCIENCEPosted: Aug. 15, 2005 U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle finds himself on the cutting edge of science and politics as he pursues legislation that would open up the field of embryonic stem cell research. It is not exactly a place where he ever expected to be. "WE LOSE A GOOD SOLDIER"Posted: Aug. 11, 2005 Richard S. Gebelein is retiring from one judgeship so he can take another one. The Superior Court held a farewell ceremony to recognize Gebelein for a combination judicial-and-military career that has taken him from Wilmington to Afghanistan and now to Bosnia. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Aug. 9, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. gets his PAC up and running. The Wilmington law firm of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor gets a new lawyer, and -- surprise, surprise -- she knows politics. A PRESIDENTIAL ALERT ALREADY?Posted: Aug. 5, 2005 Three years before the next presidential election, Delaware is getting a visit from one of the dozens of candidates thinking about running. Since it is a Republican, naturally he is going to Sussex County, the most Republican county that the state has. POLITICS BY NUMBERSPosted: July 28, 2005 Take the voter turnout in New Castle County in 2004. Stir in statewide candidates. The result is a head start for Democrats that only intrepid Republicans can overcome. It is a trend that is manifesting itself from election to election. GEBELEIN GETS SET TO GOPosted: July 26, 2005 Superior Court Judge Richard S. Gebelein is almost ready for the good-bye handshakes so he can depart for Bosnia to join an international court. His colleagues are planning a sendoff for him next month at the New Castle County Courthouse. MINNER AND LEE TOOK FRIENDLY FIRE IN 2004Posted: July 20, 2005 The 2004 election returns for governor seemed so typical with Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, the Democrat, carrying upstate to win and William Swain Lee, the Republican, carrying downstate. A closer look shows that both of them lost votes in strange places. POLI-TICKINGPosted: July 15, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Chief Justice Myron T. Steele was closer to the London terrorist attack than he knew at the time. The Republicans set a goal that the Democrats can like. I HEARD YOU PICKET NEWSPAPERSPosted: July 13, 2005 Frank Sheeran, who once ran the Delaware Teamsters union, confessed to killing Jimmy Hoffa. He also confessed to being part of an important moment in Delaware politics, as told in I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt, a local lawyer-turned-author. THE STATE SENATE GETS SHAGGYPosted: July 8, 2005 Anyone attempting to find a reason for this story will be prosecuted. Anyone attempting to find a plot in it will be shot. With apologies to Mark Twain, this is a story that goes nowhere in particular, but it is the state Senate's own fault. JUDICIAL NOTESPosted: July 6, 2005; updated: July 7, 2005 Superior Court Judge Richard S. Gebelein is a big step closer to swapping Delaware for Bosnia. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has nominations for the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas and Family Court to consider for a special Senate session in the fall. EVEN IN DOVER, IT IS MBNA (MUCH BANK NEWS AROUND)Posted: July 1, 2005 While the last day of the legislative session usually is all about the budget bill and other must-do measures, all that seemed to matter this June 30 was the sale of MBNA to Bank of America and what it will mean for Delaware. GEBELEIN COULD LEAVE THE DELAWARE BENCH FOR BOSNIAPosted: June 29, 2005 Instead of returning to the Superior Court after going to Afghanistan on active military duty, Judge Richard S. Gebelein has thoughts about an international judicial appointment in Bosnia. He would need help from the legislature to do it, though, and time is running out. CASTLE STUMPS FOR BEN FRANKLIN, HIS GREAT FOREFATHER AND OURSPosted: June 27, 2005 U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle made the case for Benjamin Franklin, a blood relation, on "The Greatest American," a Discovery Channel program broadcast Sunday evening. The competition was George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and Ronald Reagan. CARNEY SAYS WHAT EVERYBODY KNOWSPosted: June 24, 2005 The Democrats who went to a fund raiser for Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. got what they came for. They heard him say he expects to run for governor in 2008, even though he knows he does not have the field to himself. GLASS AND NERVES ARE SHATTERED IN LEGISLATIVE HALLPosted: June 23, 2005 A hearing on a bill about embryonic stem cell research was interrupted when a glass desktop shattered in the state House of Representatives chambers, and no one knew why. It had people looking for answers in unusual places. POLI-TICKINGPosted: June 21, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Blood relations matter to state Sen. Charles L. Copeland and New Castle County Executive Christopher A. Coons. A proposal to name a bridge for the late William V. Roth Jr. gets more help than it needs. OLD TIMES HERE ARE NOT FORGOTTENPosted: June 17, 2005 At the Pete du Pont Freedom Dinner on Thursday evening, the Delaware Republicans brought in Newt Gingrich as their keynote speaker and showed they still know how to raise money. Once upon a time, they knew how to govern, too. SCIENTIFIC POLITICS MEETS POLITICAL SCIENCE IN THE STATE SENATEPosted: June 15, 2005 The science and the politics of embryonic stem cell research came together Tuesday in the state Senate. The result was that the politicians encouraged the scientists to conduct their work in Delaware. Next the state House of Representatives will have its say. HAVE FUND RAISER, WON'T TRAVELPosted: June 13, 2005 Eight legislators -- seven Republican representatives and one Democratic senator -- went out to Lake Tahoe last week for a meeting of the Council of State Governments. So how come it was a legislator staying home who got tripped up? THREE OF A KINDPosted: June 10, 2005 Party unity is a sometime thing for the three members of Delaware's congressional delegation. Senate Democrats Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Thomas R. Carper and House Republican Michael N. Castle have a habit of breaking with their colleagues, according to an analysis of their votes. ACTUALLY, BIDEN COULD RUN FOR BOTH OFFICESPosted: June 7, 2005 The next presidential election in 2008 coincides with the end of U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s sixth term. If he somehow found himself on the national Democratic ticket, it appears that Delaware law would look kindly on him if he wanted to hedge his bets. POLI-TICKINGPosted: June 3, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Davis family makes its way to Legislative Hall. The du Pont family makes its way out of the upper reaches of Delaware politics in a turn for the history books. AFTER A BREAK, THE STATE HOUSE NEEDS A BREAKPosted: June 2, 2005 The state House of Representatives will not be in session Tuesday, although the state Senate will be. June, the legislature's busiest month, is an odd time to be taking a day off, but the House has its reasons for this unusual break. BIDEN RAISES MONEY . . . AND EYEBROWS, TOOPosted: May 31, 2005 U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. is looking for a windfall of $1,000-plus checks to come his way in Delaware with two events planned for June. The six-term Democrat needs to stockpile the money for his next Senate campaign. Honest, he does. POLI-TICKINGPosted: May 25, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Attorney General M. Jane Brady is making the political rounds as she cranks up her campaign for 2006. The Republicans get going with their restyled New Castle County operation. POLITICS IN HIS VEINSPosted: May 23, 2005 The Blood Bank of Delmarva is looking for a few good donors for its summer blood drive, but even a politician will do. Guess who was the first Delawarean to roll up his sleeve -- and to make sure that everyone knew about it? TRUTH IN SPRINGTIMEPosted: May 19, 2005 In the half-year that has elapsed since the last election, the Delaware Democrats and the Republicans have feted the winners and consoled the losers, gotten over the gloating and licked the wounds. Now it is time to tell the truth. THE FERTILIZATION OF EMBRYONIC POLITICSPosted: May 16, 2005 The politics of stem cell research is providing an unusual meeting ground of different philosophies and fields. It was evident Monday at a press conference in Wilmington with U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, state Rep. Deborah D. Hudson and state Sen. Robert L. Venables. "A LIFELONG DEMOCRAT, BORN ON DELAWARE DAY"Posted: May 14, 2005 Delaware Democrats elevated John D. Daniello from New Castle County chair to state chair at their convention Saturday in Dover, even though they knew what they were getting into. The party also celebrated its good fortunes at the polls. THE CHOICE FOR CHIEF MAGISTRATE KEEPS IT ALL IN THE FAMILYPosted: May 12, 2005 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner is nominating Alan G. Davis, a Sussex County lawyer who is also a state House attorney, to run the Justice of the Peace Courts. Davis' father is a magistrate, and his great uncle is one of the governor's closest advisers. ORDER IN THE CONVENTIONPosted: May 11, 2005 The Delaware Democrats are not expecting any surprises when they hold their state convention Saturday in Dover. The main order of business is electing new officers, headed by John D. Daniello for state chair. GRIDIRON AND BEAR ITPosted: May 9, 2005 The crowd at the First State Gridiron Dinner & Show knows to expect the unexpected, as Delaware's annual political roast was held Saturday for the 14th time, but this year even the organizers had to deal with the unexpected. DANIELLO EMERGES FOR DEMOCRATIC STATE CHAIRPosted: May 4, 2005 The Delaware Democrats were left searching for a state chair when Richard H. Bayard surprised them by deciding against another term. The search seems to be ending with John D. Daniello, recently re-elected as the New Castle County party chair. POLI-TICKINGPosted: April 27, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Republicans may have a candidate to run against Jack A. Markell, the Democratic state treasurer. Michael E. Harkins reports to a federal prison in Pennsylvania. REPUBLICAN CONVENTION NOTEBOOKPosted: April 25, 2005 The Delaware Republicans did more than re-elect a state chair at their convention. They gained new insight into Bill Clinton and jostled a little over the nomination for governor. For Sussex Republicans, the gathering in Brandywine Hundred was in a county too far. REPUBLICANS ARE FINE TO FALL IN LINE WITH STRINEPosted: April 23, 2005 The Delaware Republican Party did what it was expected to do in re-electing Terry A. Strine as state chair at a convention Saturday in Brandywine Hundred. What it was not expected to do was to show a new determination to stop its skid in statewide elections. CONVENTIONALLY DIFFICULTPosted: April 22, 2005 The Delaware Republicans are holding a convention this weekend in Brandywine Hundred to elect a state chair. They are not expected to make a change. Where they could use a change is in the fortune of their party in statewide elections. POLI-TICKINGPosted: April 19, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Richard S. Gebelein is due to return to his life as a weekday judge/weekend warrior. Christopher A. Coons has 100 days in office, just as Franklin Roosevelt did. FOUR LAWYERS MAKE THE CUT FOR CHIEF MAGISTRATEPosted: April 18, 2005 A new chief magistrate is in the works as Gov. Ruth Ann Minner considers a list of candidates recommended by her Judicial Nominating Commission. Her appointee will replace Patricia W. Griffin, who left the post two months ago to become the state court administrator. "JUST DO THE RIGHT THING"Posted: April 14, 2005 Elbert N. Carvel, the governor who served split terms, also had split memorial services. His second one Tuesday in Legislative Hall in Dover was an opportunity for Gov. Ruth Ann Minner to draw a parallel about discrimination in his day and hers. NO NEW CHAIR FOR STATE DEMOCRATS YETPosted: April 12, 2005 Democratic leaders have put together a list of possible candidates for their state chair. Coming up with the names is one thing. Getting one of them to agree to take the job is another. The party has about a month to figure it out. WHEN IN ROMEPosted: April 7, 2005 As the world's attention turns to the funeral for John Paul II, two of Delaware's best-known officials are in Rome, one purposely for the papal ceremonies and one by accident of timing. Both are swept up in the historic events. WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Posted: April 5, 2005 Some defeated candidates never fade away, they just find something else for themselves in politics. Whether they ran for statewide or local offices, they are finding new niches for themselves in party politics, lobbying and a municipal race or two. DANIELLO RE-ELECTED, WANNA MAKE SUMTHIN' OF IT?Posted: April 2, 2005 Anybody who knows John D. Daniello would not be surprised that he got himself re-elected the New Castle County Democratic chairman, along with the officers he wanted serving with him. This is a politician who knows what to do with a gavel. MUSICAL CHAIRSPosted: March 30, 2005 The Delaware Democrats know they will have a new state chair after their party convention this spring, but the Republicans do not know whether they will have a new one, too, after their own convention. It is an unsettled time for both parties. POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 28, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Beau Biden gives a speech on his own behalf to the Sussex County Democrats. Richard S. Gebelein sees a little more law and order in Afghanistan. GILLIAM SR. IS RETIRING FROM THE URBAN LEAGUEPosted: March 23, 2005 James H. Gilliam Sr., the founder and only chairman the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League has known, has decided to retire with his 85th birthday approaching. A well-known political name has surfaced as his likely replacement. THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT MIKE HARKINSPosted: March 20, 2005 After a lifetime in politics, Michael E. Harkins came to an end that was more disappointing than it was surprising. At an emotional sentencing, the ex-secretary of state was sent to jail for his excesses as the executive director of the Delaware River & Bay Authority. HARKINS HAS HIS LAST HURRAHPosted: March 17, 2005 Michael E. Harkins got in one last St. Patrick's Day before he goes to court for sentencing for his crimes at the Delaware River & Bay Authority. He had one of those times that could have happened only in Delaware. BAYARD IS STEPPING DOWN AS DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMANPosted: March 16, 2005 State Democratic Chairman Richard H. Bayard has decided not to seek another term, surprising his party and leaving it casting about for a replacement when it elects new officers at its state convention this spring. GEBELEIN IS COMING HOMEPosted: March 14, 2005 Richard S. Gebelein, the Superior Court judge called up for active duty, expects to be on his way home next month from Afghanistan. In e-mail to Delaware Grapevine, he reflects on what he will remember and what he is looking forward to. "BERT CARVEL WAS A GREAT ONE"Posted: March 12, 2005 Elbert N. Carvel understood what it meant to be the governor of a small state. His personal touch and his accomplishments were recalled Friday during a memorial service in Laurel after his death Feb. 6 at the age of 94. THE REALITY OF PRISON ENDS ROGER BLEVINS' LIFE OF FANTASYPosted: March 10, 2005 Roger D. Blevins III, a small-time Democratic operative, was sentenced Thursday to more than three years in federal prison for using campaign money from U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. to pay for a fantasy life that began on the Internet. MORE POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 8, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. William Swain Lee does not seem to be finished with politics yet. State Sen. John C. Still III, the Republican minority leader, proves he is a money player. SWIFT BOAT POLITICS, REVISITEDPosted: March 5, 2005 Delaware Republican leaders who wanted to salute the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth found themselves defending against a mysterious group calling itself the Swift Boat Republicans for Truth during a Republican State Committee dinner. PUTTING THE LEGISLATURE IN PLAYPosted: March 3, 2005 After the certainty of death and taxes, there has been the immutability of the Delaware General Assembly, Democratic in the Senate and Republican in the House of Representatives. Hard to believe, but it could be coming to an end. POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 1, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Sussex County Democrats make an interesting choice for a keynote speaker at their upcoming spring dinner. Richard S. Gebelein takes on drug dealing in Afghanistan. "THE TABLE"Posted: Feb. 16, 2005 U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. thinks he might have a book in him, but he does not know what he would write or whether he will. If he does, though, it seems certain that he would have to include a story about a table and redemption in the U.S. Senate. PARTY POOPERSPosted: Feb. 13, 2005 An anonymous sneak attack on Terry A. Strine, the Republican state chairman who is running for a second term this spring, was one of the problems facing the party Saturday evening during the annual Kent County Lincoln Day dinner in Dover. LINCOLN DAY DISORDERPosted: Feb. 11, 2005 Thoughts of Abraham Lincoln may hit very close to home when the Delaware Republican Party gathers Saturday for a Lincoln Day dinner in Dover. These days the party is facing something of a civil war of its own. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Feb. 9, 2005 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. goes on TV. U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle goes to the House floor. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper goes to a party. Some long-awaited dates for sentencings are set. GOV. ELBERT N. CARVEL, 1910-2005Posted: Feb. 7, 2005 Gov. Elbert N. Carvel, a two-term Democrat who was one of Delaware's major political figures of the 20th Century, died Sunday shortly before his 95th birthday. He was an unforgettable presence whose fearless stands made his mark on the state he loved. MILLION-DOLLAR MARKELLPosted: Feb. 4, 2005 Even without an opponent in sight, state Treasurer Jack A. Markell has used a personal loan to fill his campaign treasury with more than $1 million. With that kind of money, there is every likelihood the two-term Democrat has more on his mind than re-election. WEIGHT LOSS FOR POLITICAL GAINPosted: Feb. 2, 2005 Who knows what lurks in the weight-loss plan of a politician? State Sen. Colin R.J. Bonini, a Dover Republican, is pondering more than poundage in a very public decision to go on a diet that he expects will last until the legislative session ends June 30. FOOLS AND THEIR MONEY ARE SOON IN POLITICSPosted: Feb. 1, 2005 The money flowed like fool's gold once the legislature went through the charade of pretending to reject a quadrennial package of pay raises. The Delaware Compensation Commission deserved a little more respect than it got. SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCEPosted: Jan. 28, 2004 The Delaware Democratic Party had a dilemma. It had two candidates for executive director to run its daily operations. Throw in some overtones regarding Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. and state Treasurer Jack A. Markell, and how can it be sorted out? THE SENATE STILL DELIVERS VOTES FOR CORDREY AND SHARPPosted: Jan. 27, 2005 Years after retirement, Richard S. Cordrey and Thomas B. Sharp, a pair of Senate ex-presidents pro tem, showed they still know how to run the chamber. They were confirmed for the governor's Cabinet as they bulldozed over any misgivings about them. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Jan. 20, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. As a former governor and current congressman, Michael N. Castle goes to every inauguration he can. Superior Court Judge Richard S. Gebelein describes getting to the office in Afghanistan. THERE WAS NO JANUARY THAW FOR THIS INAUGURATIONPosted: Jan. 18, 2005 The temperature was chillingly low and the security was chillingly high as Gov. Ruth Ann Minner took the oath of office for her second term and last time. Nor was the politics of the day any warmer than the weather. THE GOVERNOR DID WHAT??Posted: Jan. 14, 2005 It is not every day that the governor announces a couple of new appointments to her Cabinet and people think she must be joking. It happened Thursday, when Gov. Ruth Ann Minner tapped two ex-senators and no one could believe it. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Jan. 13, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Delaware officeholders make a national mark by what they do and what they say. 'Twas the season for politics in holiday cards. THE FOG OF POLITICS RETURNS TO DOVERPosted: Jan. 12, 2005 Beneath the congratulatory mood and humor of the General Assembly's opening day, there was a brewing concern about a new tone coming to Delaware politics, even though the politicians themselves were largely the same. JUST FOR INSURANCE, THERE ARE TWO OATHS FOR MATT DENNPosted: Jan. 10, 2005 Matthew P. Denn is not only the state's new insurance commissioner but a new father of twin boys. Because there are two sons, there also were two oaths of office for the first Democrat to have the post in 12 years. One of those oaths was Monday. IT'S WITHAM AND YOUNG FOR THE KENT COUNTY BENCHPosted: Jan. 7, 2004 In a late afternoon flurry, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner on Friday settled on Superior Court Judge William L. Witham Jr. as her nominee for Kent County resident judge and chose Dover lawyer Robert B. Young for the seat that Witham's promotion would open. EVEN GOVERNORS KNOW THEIR PLACE AT OLD DRAWYERSPosted: Jan. 5, 2005 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner joined with the Friends of Old Drawyers to help them honor former Gov. Sherman W. Tribbitt for his contributions to the historic church in Odessa. Both governors took a back seat to the real star -- the church cemetery. THE COURTS LOSE A JUDGE BUT GAIN AN ADMINISTRATORPosted: Dec. 20, 2004 Chief Justice Myron T. Steele looked homeward to find a new administrator for the state court system. Chief Magistrate Patricia Walther Griffin has agreed to give up her judgeship to take the job, beginning in February. BIDEN GETS THE FEEL OF A MISSILE ATTACKPosted: Dec. 16, 2004 A military aircraft with U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. and three Senate colleagues aboard fired flares and took evasive action after radar showed it was under a missile attack during a trip to Iraq two weeks ago. MORE KENT COUNTY JUDGES ARE IN THE WORKSPosted: Dec. 14, 2004 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has a list of candidates from her Judicial Nominating Commission for two Kent County seats on the Superior Court. The choice for one opening is not really in doubt, but there are four names for the other. THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTE WAS STRICTLY ACADEMICPosted: Dec. 13, 2004 The Electoral College was no partying school this time. Delaware's Democratic electors -- Nancy W. Cook, James "JJ" Johnson and Timothy G. Willard -- cast the votes for president in a losing cause when they convened Monday in Dover. FROM THE BEACHES TO OUTER SPACE, THE DELEGATION CAN HELPPosted: Dec. 10, 2004 There will be federal money coming to Delaware for all sorts of things because of the efforts of the congressional delegation. There will be the usual, such as beach replenishment and roadwork, but also the unusual, like a space center. But no weather museum. COUNTING MINNER'S POLITICAL CAPITALPosted: Dec. 7, 2004 Ruth Ann Minner heads into her second term as a 51 percent governor who has run her last campaign. How much political capital has she accumulated and spent? Her stands on the smoking ban and the gay anti-discrimination bill had a lot to do with it. THE ONLY SUBJECT IN THIS COLLEGE IS POLITICSPosted: Dec. 3, 2004 For the fourth presidential election in a row, Delaware's three members of the Electoral College will be Democrats. The party is sending James "JJ" Johnson, Nancy W. Cook and Timothy G. Willard to the ceremony-laden voting on Dec. 13 in Dover. HANDS ACROSS THE AISLEPosted: Nov. 30, 2004 Thomas R. Carper, the Democratic senator, and Michael N. Castle, the Republican congressman, appeared together to talk to Young Democrats and Young Republicans at the Charter School of Wilmington. It seemed like so much more than that. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Nov. 23, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. As Thanksgiving approaches, Superior Court Judge Richard S. Gebelein prepares to observe the holiday in Afghanistan as a JAG colonel. Here at home, Delaware Democrats and Republicans are celebrating in different ways this year. CARPER & CASTLE: MR. INSIDE & MR. OUTSIDEPosted: Nov. 18, 2004 A brief lame-duck session of the Congress has put a spotlight on U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper and U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle. Carper got there with his patented inside game, and Castle made noise with one of his customary outside stands against the House leadership. A TIE VOTE GOES TO THE GOVERNORPosted: Nov. 15, 2004 When lawyers involved in a recount for a Sussex County Council seat did a quick check of the state code, they found little to guide them on what would happen if the candidates were tied. It turns out the governor has a say, as a former New Castle County Council member points out. SUPPOSE THERE WAS A TIE?Posted: Nov. 12, 2004 An election for Sussex County Council came down to a three-vote victory after a recount last week. As the margin got closer and closer, the question arose about a tie. What would happen then? Delaware election laws barely offered a clue on how a deadlock should be broken. SOGGY RETURNS OF THE DAYPosted: Nov. 4, 2004 So much for that saying that it never rains on Return Day. The customary post-election celebration in Georgetown was drenching. Still, the parade was held, the hatchet got buried, and the politicians got started on their next round of campaigning with an array of sly stickers. THE MIGHTY STREAK HAS STRUCK OUTPosted: Nov. 3, 2004 Delaware has lost The Streak, a record it began more than 50 years ago of voting for the winning presidential candidate. There was some pretending it was still intact four years ago, when the state went for the candidate who won the popular vote, but now there is no doubt, it is gone for good. DELAWARE GOES DECIDEDLY DEMOCRATICPosted: Nov. 2, 2004 With victories in Delaware for John F. Kerry and Ruth Ann Minner, the electorate has voted Democratic for president and governor for four elections in a row. U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle remained a bright spot for the Republicans, who otherwise suffered the loss of a promising class of recruits. TURN OUT, TURN OUT, WHEREVER YOU AREPosted: Nov. 1, 2004 The Democrats had a rally to get out the vote on Saturday, and the Republicans had one on Monday. Neither drew much of a crowd -- which goes to show that both parties these days are relying on organizational techniques to get their people to the polls Tuesday. It is not rocket science, but it works. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Oct. 29, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. State Treasurer Jack A. Markell goes out of state on the Democratic celebrity circuit. Richard S. Gebelein in Afghanistan finds that soldiering is soldiering, even for 58-year-old Superior Court judges. THE DEMOCRATIC ESTABLISHMENT STRIKES BACKPosted: Oct. 28, 2004 A Republican political spot brought U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker to Gov. Ruth Ann Minner's side to defend the first-term Democrat in her run for re-election. It was all about women, prisons and public safety. NEW YORK'S PATAKI DID WHAT BILL LEE WANTS TO DOPosted: Oct. 27, 2004 Republican William Swain Lee's campaign for governor got a lift Wednesday from New York Gov. George E. Pataki, a Republican who came to Wilmington to talk him up. They appeared together at a lunch hosted by U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, who used to be a Republican governor himself. DELAWARE DEMOCRATS OUT-REGISTER REPUBLICANSPosted: Oct. 25, 2004; updated: Oct. 28, 2004 The new voter registration figures show that Delaware increasingly is becoming a Democratic blue state. With the final numbers now in, the Democrats have about 18,000 new voters and the Republicans about 8,000 new voters for the election a week from Tuesday. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Oct. 22, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Republicans pull a radio spot, but they say it is not for their own reasons. Claire M. DeMatteis finds work outside of U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s office. Judge Richard S. Gebelein writes again from Afghanistan. SIDESWIPING THE ELECTIONPosted: Oct. 21, 2004 The Democrats and the Republicans in Delaware have different expectations when the voters go to the polls on Nov. 2. With little evidence that either will have much success trying to knock off the other's incumbents, they are focusing on open seats with only the occasional foray against an officeholder. IT'S FATHER-AND-SON POLITICS FOR THE BIDENSPosted: Oct. 19, 2004 U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. is a front-line Democrat, barnstorming the country for his party's presidential ticket. His son Beau is taking a less public route to make his mark on state politics this election season -- and who know what will turn up for him in the future? GEORGE JARVIS, LAWMAKER & CABINET OFFICER, 1927-2004Posted: Oct. 15, 2004 George Jarvis, a Republican legislator and Cabinet secretary, died Friday after a lengthy illness at age 77. He arrived in Dover during the Republican heyday of the late 1960s and early 1970s and made his mark by knowing a public life could do public good -- but was even better with a little mischief thrown in. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Oct. 14, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The dueling campaigns of Democratic Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and Republican William Swain Lee are seeing what they want to see in recent polls. Judge Richard S. Gebelein is grateful for a largely peaceful election in Afghanistan. FOR MINNER, HOME IS WHERE THE HARD VOTE ISPosted: Oct. 13, 2004 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner made a pitch for votes in Kent County, the place she calls home, and she had good reason to take the time to do so. Delaware's central county cannot be taken for granted by statewide Democrats -- not even if they are U.S. Sens. Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Thomas R. Carper. THE SECRET WEAPON OF ERNIE LOPEZPosted: Oct. 11, 2004 Ernesto B. Lopez, the Republican running for New Castle County Council president, is not the average novice candidate. Because of a master's thesis he was writing, he found his way into a political network that has committed to helping him out -- and what a network it is. THE BILL LEE NO ONE KNOWSPosted: Oct. 7, 2004 William Swain Lee is the judge who bested murderer Thomas J. Capano and then came off the bench to run for governor, and everyone knows it. There is more to Bill Lee than that, however, most of it rooted in a turbulent time in the 1970s when he faced personal, financial and legal crises. RUTH ANN MINNER'S 5 x 7 CARDSPosted: Oct. 5, 2004 Republican William Swain Lee says Gov. Ruth Ann Minner is not on the up-and-up when it comes to debating. He says she is cribbing during their joint gubernatorial appearances -- that is, when she comes. Minner's campaign says there is nothing wrong with being prepared. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Oct. 1, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Not everything concerning Delaware happens at home. Lobbyist Robert L. Byrd sees a little more of parts of Alaska than he planned. Superior Court Judge Richard S. Gebelein reflects on elections in Afghanistan. THE DEMOCRATS GET TORNADOEDPosted: Sept. 29, 2004 The Democratic staffers at state headquarters are prepared to deal with the Republican Party and maybe even the Green Party, but a green sky and a tornado? On Tuesday afternoon they were in the thick of the storm that menaced the state, and so were a couple of Republicans. JackPAC SAYS IT WITH DOLLARSPosted: Sept. 28, 2004 Democratic candidates have received more than $40,000 since 2002 from "The Committee for a Better Future." Behind that innocuous name is a well-known politician who is helping out his party and no doubt also helping out himself. No one has seen anything like it in Delaware before. ANCHORAGE AWAYPosted: Sept. 27, 2004 A conference hosted by the Council of State Governments in Alaska is proving to be more attractive to the governor and 11 state legislators than the campaign trail is. Despite elections at home, they headed out for a five-day session that began Saturday and ends Wednesday. THE SHOTGUN TICKET OF COONS AND CLARKPosted: Sept. 23, 2004 Democratic primary voters put Christopher A. Coons and Paul G. Clark together as a ticket for New Castle County executive and County Council president. It is not an easy alliance, not with suspicions remaining that Clark was linked to Sherry L. Freebery, who lost to Coons for county executive. A NEW PRESIDENT JUDGE LEADS A CONFIRMATION PARADEPosted: Sept. 21, 2004 In a leisurely special session, the state Senate returned to Dover to approve some judicial nominations, including the elevation of Superior Court Judge James T. Vaughn Jr. to president judge. It was a good day for the governor, a good day for Kent County and a good day for Senate Democrats. THE HEAT RISES TO FAHRENHEIT 911 IN A POLITICAL DEBATEPosted: Sept. 20, 2004 In a multi-office debate, Democrat Paul Donnelly wanted to ambush Republican Rep. Michael N. Castle with the way he was ambushed by film maker Michael Moore, and the smoking ban was stubbed out between Democratic Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and Republican William Swain Lee. GOOD-BYE TO REP. BOBBY QUILLEN, 1928-2004Posted: Sept. 18, 2004 State Rep. George Robert "Bobby" Quillen, a Republican from Harrington, will be remembered for his cherubic cheerfulness, his sockless attire and his courage as he coped with liver cancer. The longtime legislator died early Saturday morning at his home at the age of 75. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Sept. 16, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Superior Court Judge Richard S. Gebelein is on the ground in Afghanistan for his assignment as a JAG officer. The candidates for lieutenant governor go to the Wilmington Rotary Club for their first debate. THE NOT-SO-GREAT DEBATEPosted: Sept. 15, 2004 The sparks did not fly when Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, the first-term Democrat, and William Swain Lee, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, met Tuesday in Newark for their first formal debate. Lee came closer to mixing it up with a panelist. Maybe it was the format. Maybe it was just early in the campaign. DAVE ENNIS GETS AROUND TO ANNOUNCINGPosted: Sept. 13, 2004 With seven weeks to go before the election, Republican David H. Ennis finally made his candidacy official for insurance commissioner with the customary three-county tour. He is the last statewide candidate to announce but the first to use a Segway scooter to do it. PRIMARILY PREDICTABLEPosted: Sept. 11, 2004 Primary Day in Delaware produced a bunch of predictable outcomes. An indicted candidate lost in the Democratic election for New Castle County executive. Endorsed candidates in a Republican contest for governor and a Democratic race for insurance commissioner won. VAUGHN IS THE CHOICE TO LEAD THE SUPERIOR COURTPosted: Sept. 10, 2004 For the third time in a row, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has decided to nominate a fellow Kent Countian for a leading judicial post. She wants Superior Court Judge James T. Vaughn Jr. to be the court's next president judge. The state Senate is expected to consider the confirmation later this month. IT'S BOMBS AWAY FROM FREEBERYPosted: Sept. 8, 2004 New Castle County Democrats are finding manila envelopes at the door. It is a literature drop from Sherry L. Freebery, blazing away in the last days of the campaign for the Democratic nomination for county executive against Christopher A. Coons, her chief rival in the primary on Saturday. LABOR DAY IS A WORKING HOLIDAY FOR KERRY'S CAMPAIGNPosted: Sept. 6, 2004 The Delaware operation for John F. Kerry capitalized on Labor Day to turn it into a campaign event for the Democratic presidential candidate. It held what it called a "front porch conversation" in a neighborhood in Wilmington, the friendliest of places for Democrats. DELAWARE BLUEPosted: Sept. 2, 2004 For the Delaware Republicans in New York for the national convention, their seats could have been a little better and the state's color was off, but they are nothing if not resolute as they head into an election they believe could begin to turn their fortunes around. Michael N. Castle and William Swain Lee were here to talk about it. NEW YORK NOTEBOOKPosted: Sept. 1, 2004 The Delaware delegation in New York City took time to laud W. Laird Stabler Jr., who is ending his tenure on the Republican National Committee. For Priscilla B. Rakestraw, the other national committee member, this convention is special, too. The state Democrats try to issue a challenge to the Republicans, but it flops. MODERATELY INCLUSIVEPosted: Aug. 31, 2004 With Rudy Guliani, Arnold Schwarzenegger and John McCain as high-profile speakers, this Republican convention in New York City is one that Mike Castle can love. The Delaware congressman is looking for a bigger say for moderate Republicans like himself. That would suit his home state delegation. THE DAY NEW YORK STOOD STILLPosted: Aug. 30, 2004 The Delaware delegates are being reminded at every turn why the Republican Party chose New York City for its national convention. They encounter it at their hotel, they see it on the streets, and they heard about it at their welcoming dinner on Sunday night. It ought to be a constant throughout the week. A POLITICAL TRIPLE CROWN FOR CASTLE?Posted: Aug. 29, 2004 At the Democratic national convention last month in Boston, there was a lot of speculation about the future of U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. and a Cabinet post. Now comes the natural follow-up at the Republican national convention in New York City, where the buzz is about U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle. MORE POLI-TICKINGPosted: Aug. 27, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Delaware Republicans go to New York City for their national convention. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper lends his name for John Kerry's campaign. William Swain Lee follows Gov. Ruth Ann Minner to the airwaves. MONEY TALKSPosted: Aug. 23, 2004 One way to measure the health of candidates is to check out their campaign financing. The reports are in for the primary election, and some of the candidates need a transfusion of cash if they are going to make it. Others are doing fine. Sherry L. Freebery is a special case. POLI-TICKINGPosted: Aug. 19, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper deals with campaigns, past and present. The folks at Republican state headquarters take a pause from political war-making to turn to match-making in this election season. AIR MINNERPosted: Aug. 17, 2004 The political ground campaign has been ongoing for some time now, but the air campaign has been silent until Gov. Ruth Ann Minner opened it up this week with advertising on cable television. As of now, she has the airwaves to herself -- not surprising, given the financial realities of state politics. RAINBOW POLITICSPosted: Aug. 15, 2004 Without any fanfare, the first gubernatorial debate of 2004 between Democratic Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and Republican William Swain Lee was held Saturday evening in a living room in Rehoboth Beach. They appeared at a fund-raiser for the Delaware Liberty Fund, a gay rights organization. AND THE CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT JUDGE ARE . . .Posted: Aug. 13, 2004 Politics, gender and geography are at play in the decision to name a new president judge for the Superior Court. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner received a list of candidates Friday from her Judicial Nominating Commission to replace Henry duPont Ridgely, who moved to the Supreme Court. A FIELD DAY FOR POLITICS, SUSSEX FARM & HOME STYLEPosted: Aug. 11, 2004 Anyone who harvests crops or votes is welcome every year to the University of Delaware's Farm & Home Field Day near Georgetown. Farmers and politicians had an extra reason to come together this time because of a gift from former Gov. Elbert N. Carvel, still contributing at the age of 94. CARPER AND MINNER, TOGETHER AGAINPosted: Aug. 8, 2004 The lips barely had time to uncurl, from the time Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper were together at Governor's Day at the Delaware State Fair until they met up at a fund-raiser for the Stonewall Democrats on Saturday evening in Rehoboth Beach. They managed just fine. WILL HARKINS GET A LUCKY BREAK?Posted: Aug. 5, 2004 Michael E. Harkins was supposed to be looking at five months to two years in jail for his spending spree at the Delaware River & Bay Authority. Now it appears he could wind up with less time because of an upheaval in the federal sentencing system. His sentencing has been postponed at least until October. GOVERNOR'S DAY WASN'T SO FAIRPosted: Aug. 4, 2004; updated: Aug. 6, 2004 Governor's Day last week at the Delaware State Fair was supposed to be devoted to Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, but it turned into a day of political shadow-boxing when a former governor or two also showed up. This, after Minner came all the way home from the Democratic convention in Boston to attend. CHASING JOE BIDENPosted: July 29, 2004 U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be on the stage Thursday evening at the Democratic national nominating convention in Boston. It is his most visible appearance, but Biden has been hard at work all week, keeping up a schedule that seems more like an audition. But for what? Whatever it is, it is bringing him lots of attention. BOSTON NOTEBOOKPosted: July 28, 2004 Wilmington Councilman "Stormin'" M. Norman Oliver, the delegate for Al Sharpton, explains how he will vote in the roll call for the presidential nomination in Boston. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper and state Treasurer Jack A. Markell have some things to say, too. Other Delawareans set their sights on the stars. SECURING THE NOMINATIONPosted: July 27, 2004 The Democratic nominating convention in Boston seems to be one part politics to three parts security. The Delaware delegation had to navigate a maze of checkpoints to get inside the FleetCenter. Once the delegates made their way to their assigned seats, the challenges still were not over. PITCHING A BOSTON SURPRISEPosted: July 26, 2004 The surprises in Boston for the Democratic national convention are supposed to be hard to come by. Still, John F. Kerry threw one at the Red Sox-Yankees game at Fenway Park. U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. managed a surprise appearance, and Wilmington Councilman Norman M. Oliver still has a surprise in store. GREETINGS FROM THE BOSTON "D" PARTYPosted: July 25, 2004 The Delaware delegation has arrived in Boston for the Democratic national convention, where the mood is fiery, the slogans are ribald, and the demonstrations can be as silent as a lamb or as loud as a bullhorn. As for the delegation's hotel, it can get a little fiery, too. BEAU BIDEN IS COMING, AND SCHNEE IS SORT OF GOINGPosted: July 23, 2004 A Wilmington law firm that has given safe haven to retired judges and politicians has brought in Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III as a new name partner and renamed itself Bifferato Gentilotti & Biden. It also is lending Carl Schnee to the state court system at the chief justice's request. PLEASE DON'T LAUGH AT THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNORPosted: July 22, 2004 Lieutenant governor is an office that almost never seems to be taken seriously, maybe not even by the candidates running for it. Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr., the Democratic incumbent, and James P. Ursomarso, the Republican challenger, declared for the office this week without much to say about the life-and-death matters that really do give weight to the post. MORE POLI-TICKINGPosted: July 20, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. State Sen. Karen E. Peterson decides that all things considered, she would rather not be running for governor this year. Sherry L. Freebery promises the Supreme Court she will not practice the law she never practiced. JUDGE GEBELEIN IS CALLED UP FOR AFGHANISTANPosted: July 19, 2004 Richard S. Gebelein is not only a Superior Court judge but a colonel in the Delaware Army National Guard, and his experience as a staff judge advocate in charge of the legal staff has led to an assignment in Afghanistan. He leaves next month for what he expects to be a year away from home. MINNER DECLARES HER CANDIDACY ONE LAST TIMEPosted: July 17, 2004 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner spent Saturday traveling the state in what was a traditional candidate's announcement for office but also something of a farewell tour. Delaware's first-term Democratic governor made a pitch for votes in the last campaign she intends to run. POLI-TICKINGPosted: July 16, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Delaware politicians are engaging in a daisy-chain of speculation about what would happen if U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. became secretary of state. Meanwhile, Biden is hanging out with Hillary Rodham Clinton -- in Wilmington. CONGRESSMAN CASTLE DRAWS A DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATEPosted: July 14, 2004 Before Wednesday evening was out, Delaware Democrats expected to have a candidate to run against U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, the six-term Republican with a history of swatting challengers aside. The Democrats are turning to a novice candidate from Smyrna for the task. COONS DOES BETTER IN HIS POLL THAN ON THE STUMPPosted: July 13, 2004 In the Democratic primary for New Castle County executive, Christopher A. Coons has conducted a poll that gives him all the more reason to wish his joint appearance last month with Sherry L. Freebery, his opponent for the nomination, had gone differently. CHRIS COONS' NUMBERS CRUNCHPosted: July 8, 2004 An old finance report from Christopher A. Coons' 2000 race for New Castle County president is haunting his current campaign for the Democratic nomination for county executive, leading to untold political intrigue in what is already a seamy election season. A BRONZE STARPosted: July 6, 2004 In a tribute to the late Mayor Thomas C. Maloney, his friends gathered last week to unveil a bronze statue of him on the Market Street Mall in Wilmington. Naturally there was something a little ironic going on. It is unlikely that Maloney would have wanted it any other way. LEGISLATIVE NOTEBOOKPosted: July 2, 2004 All's well that ends well -- whether it is the confirmation of a new Supreme Court justice or the departure of four legislators from the House of Representatives. Within the formal proceedings of the last night of the General Assembly, there was time for the human side, too. SHADOW BOXING ON JUNE 30Posted: July 1, 2004 The finale of the 2004 legislative session had the look of a showdown between the House Republicans and the Democratic governor, but it never quite happened. There is no way to have a showdown when one side wants to fight but the other does not. BRING IN THE HEAD OF TERRY SPENCEPosted: June 28, 2004; updated: June 29, 2004 Ever since colonial Delaware separated from Pennsylvania, the legislature here has gone its own way. Historian Carol E. Hoffecker has written about it in a new book called Democracy in Delaware. Just how creative the legislators can get is shown by the photograph at the beginning of the book. RIDGELY'S STUTTER STEP ON THE WAY TO SUPREME COURTPosted: June 24, 2004 Henry duPont Ridgely, the Superior Court president judge, looked like a shoo-in for a Supreme Court vacancy. Then word of his nomination leaked prematurely, and now there is a question whether the state Senate will get to him before the legislative session ends on June 30. KENT COUNTY RISINGPosted: June 4, 2004 After 40 years of wandering in the political wilderness, Kent County has become a force again. It has a governor. It has a chief justice. It has legislative power and legal power, and it may not be finished yet. This is a county that finds itself with the right people at the right time. FREE-FALL FOR FREEBERY IN NEW CASTLE COUNTYPosted: June 2, 2004 Nothing focuses the voters like a federal indictment. The charges announced last week by U.S. Attorney Colm F. Connolly are sure to have an effect on the three-candidate race for New Castle County executive with Christopher J. Castagno, Christopher A. Coons and Sherry L. Freebery. A REPUBLICAN OPENINGPosted: May 27, 2004 Delaware Republicans are wondering what to do about an anticipated opening for the state vice chair. Would it be a good idea to use it to clear away a pesky primary, or would that be counterproductive? There was a lunch Wednesday at the Wilmington Club that could have a bearing on the decision. "OUR LAW AND OUR LIBERTY ARE IN COMPETENT HANDS"Posted: May 26, 2004 Not even all the formalities of an investiture ceremony could keep the fuss-aversive character of Myron T. Steele, the state's new chief justice, from coming through. Everyone from the governor to law clerks came to the Kent County Courthouse on The Green in Dover to watch. A MURDER MYSTERY FOR GOP CHAIRMAN TERRY STRINEPosted: May 24, 2004 Long before the country house owned by state Republican Chairman Terry A. Strine came to political attention, it had come to prominence in criminal lore. The house was the site of the sensational murder of Katharine Thompson Wood, the sister of the famed "Silk King." POLI-TICKINGPosted: May 18, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Thomas P. Gordon and Sherry L. Freebery are involved in a Mother's Day mystery. A Republican giving a nominating speech for national committeewoman forgets one of the most basic rules of politics. WHAT WENT DOWN IN DEWEY (AND WHAT WENT UP)Posted: May 16, 2004 Conventions come and conventions go, but the 2004 Republican state convention in Dewey Beach was one of those rare times when it matters. The Delaware GOP took a searching look at itself and cast the votes expected to have a lasting effect on its self-image as "Big Tent" party this is philosophically inclusive. THE GLOVES ARE OFF FOR GOP NATIONAL COMMITTEEMANPosted: May 14, 2004 Delaware Republicans are heading into a combative election Friday evening, when they vote for a new national committeeman. The surprise candidacy of businessman Thomas H. Draper has led to a backlash and a commitment from John R. Matlusky, the party's state vice chairman, to run, too. REPUBLICAN RUMBLEPosted: May 11, 2004 The Delaware Republicans are not a party at peace as they go into their state convention at the end of the week. The hard feelings are most evident in what is happening with National Committeeman W. Laird Stabler Jr. and National Committeewoman Priscilla B. Rakestraw, two top party officials. A DEMOCRATIC SKELETON IN THE GOP CHAIRMAN'S CLOSETPosted: May 10, 2004 Politicians do not like party switchers. Delaware Republicans are surprised to learn that they elected one as their state chairman last year when they installed Terry A. Strine as their leader. Strine has been a Republican, an independent, a Democrat, an independent and a Republican. SAYING GOOD-BYE TO EDIE HEMPHILLPosted: May 8, 2004 Kent County brought out its best, including the governor and the chief justice, to say good-bye to Edie Hemphill, the clerk of the peace whose memorial service was Saturday at the Felton fire hall. From performing weddings to dishing up slippery dumplings to helping others, there was no one else like Edie. STEELE CONFIRMED AS CHIEF JUSTICEPosted: May 5, 2004 Myron T. Steele was confirmed Wednesday as Delaware's chief justice by an overwhelming and joyous vote that masked the intensity of his Senate confirmation hearing. Steele was able to satisfy his questioners about his role in a controversial rent-cap case that had threatened his nomination. POLI-TICKINGPosted: May 4, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Democrat Penrose Hollins announces for New Castle County Council president. Democrat Brian J. Bushweller does the same for a Kent County legislative seat. State Sen. Karen E. Peterson still bides her time. IT'S LIEUTENANT BEAU BIDENPosted: April 29, 2004 That new lieutenant in the Delaware Army National Guard is Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III, who signed up as a JAG officer. He was keeping it quiet until dad blabbed. If Beau Biden has political office on his mind, he can find role models right in the Guard. TIDYING UP THE TICKETPosted: April 22, 2004 Kelly L. Gates, one of two Republicans running for lieutenant governor on their own, has decided to defer to James P. Ursomarso, the running mate favored by William Swain Lee, the leading Republican candidate for governor. Gates will play a prominent role in Ursomarso's campaign, instead. COONS ENDORSED IN SECRET SESSIONPosted: April 21, 2004 Christopher A. Coons won a secretive endorsement for county executive from the New Castle County Democrats' executive committee, which would not discuss its decision in public or even reveal what the vote was. Rival Sherry L. Freebery and her backers left the meeting in protest. STEELE NAMED CHIEF JUSTICEPosted: April 19, 2004 Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has decided to nominate Supreme Court Justice Myron T. Steele for chief justice, sticking with him through an ugly ethics investigation and an unabashed campaign for her to name Justice Randy J. Holland to Delaware's top judicial post. BILL LEE GETS A RUNNING MATEPosted: April 17, 2004 William Swain Lee, the leading Republican candidate for governor, appears ready to make good on a promise to find a candidate for lieutenant governor some weeks before the Republican convention in mid-May. The word is he wants James P. Ursomarso of the Wilmington car dealership family. STEELE CLEAREDPosted: April 16, 2004 An ethics investigation into Supreme Court Justice Myron T. Steele, conducted while he is said to be under consideration for chief justice, has cleared him of allegations of favoritism and impropriety. The accusations were described as "totally baseless and unfair." POLI-TICKINGPosted: April 15, 2004 It is the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. The Republicans run a rookie for New Castle County Council president and rally around him. The Republicans in Kent County prepare to install someone new as their chairman. HURRAH FOR RANDY HOLLANDPosted: April 14, 2004 If judges and lawyers voted for chief justice, the tone of an elite bench-and-bar dinner Tuesday showed that Randy J. Holland would win in a walk. As it is, the choice belongs to Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, who is said to favor Myron T. Steele, problems or no problems and dinner or no dinner. COURT OPENS PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION ON STEELEPosted: April 12, 2004 In the aftermath of a controversial rent-cap case, Supreme Court Justice Myron T. Steele has become the subject of a preliminary disciplinary investigation by a judiciary panel that works in secret -- just at a time when Steele is under consideration to become the next chief justice. ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES IN SUSSEX COUNTYPosted: April 8, 2004 In the convoluted politics of Sussex County, the election last week for a new Democratic chair may have something to say about the future of a rookie Republican representative. Strange things can happen when a governor gets involved in county politics. REMEMBERING PEG HOODPosted: April 7, 2004 For all the candidates and officeholders who are the public face of politics, there has to be Peg Hood, the volunteer who makes it tick. After decades and decades of work for the Delaware Republicans, she died Saturday at 82, leaving behind a party that learned to do things her way -- or else. DELAWARE DEMOCRATS GO NATIONALPosted: April 3, 2004 Two months after Delaware's presidential primary, the Democrats assembled Saturday to elect delegates to the national convention in Boston. The delegation reflected John F. Kerry's victory here with a a lone slot for a delegate for Al Sharpton. The delegation is listed in Generally Presidential. BETTS ELECTED SUSSEX DEMOCRATIC CHAIRPosted: April 2, 2004 Lynn Mangene Betts emerged as the new Sussex County Democratic chair, winning an election to fill the unexpired term of Thelma Monroe after she stepped aside to become the county clerk of the peace. Betts takes over an organization intent on turning its fortunes around in the 2004 election. MR. SECRETARY?Posted: March 31, 2004 These days the question surrounding John F. Kerry is his choice for vice president, but once the whispering down the lane gets past that, it will be time to speculate about the people he might want for his Cabinet. That is where the name of Joseph R. Biden Jr. comes in. CHIEF AMONG USPosted: March 30, 2004 The elaborate trappings of retirement for a Delaware chief justice were all there at a dinner Monday evening for E. Norman Veasey -- the official portrait, the presence of the governor and the congressional delegation, and of course, the spirited speculation about who will succeed him. AN AWKWARD TIME TO SAY "OOPS"Posted: March 26, 2004 At the worst possible time, a conversation with a lawyer has blown up on Supreme Court Justice Myron T. Steele, just when he is being considered for chief justice. State senators say they would have questions for him if the governor submits his name for confirmation. "MIKE HARKINS BECAME THE DRBA"Posted: March 22, 2004 After living high as the Delaware River & Bay Authority's executive director, Michael E. Harkins was in federal court Monday to pay for it, pleading guilty to two felonies for turning the public agency to private use. It took four prosecutors' offices to bring in Harkins, a onetime secretary of state. A SUPREME GAME OF MUSICAL CHAIRSPosted: March 19, 2004 When Delaware Chief Justice E. Norman Veasey retires next month, it appears that the center chair on the Supreme Court will go to one of its current members. Three justices are said to be on a list of candidates that Gov. Ruth Ann Minner is reviewing for appointment to the state's top judicial post. OH, RUNNING MATE, WHERE ARE YOU?Posted: March 17, 2004 The clock is running on William Swain Lee, the front-runner for the Republican nomination for governor, if he wants to name his own choice for lieutenant governor. The retired judge already missed a golden opportunity last week to present someone at the Republican State Committee dinner. SUSSEX COUNTY LOSES A 'GOOD OLD GUY'Posted: March 15, 2004 D. Ray Ellerman, a Sussex County Republican elected clerk of the peace three times, died Sunday after a long illness, leaving behind memories of a fun-loving officeholder who appeared in one of the most talked-about political ads of the 2002 campaign. The governor will appoint his replacement. TURKEY IN THE STRAWPosted: March 13, 2004 The Delaware Republican Party entertained itself Friday evening with a straw poll for three statewide offices. The results were so predictable that it was a good thing U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, one of the state's best-known Democrats, unexpectedly turned up at the event to provide a little life. ANYTHING GOES IN THE SUSSEX 41stPosted: March 5, 2004 No legislator may be a bigger target this election season than state Rep. John C. Atkins, the Republican who represents a Sussex County district that usually votes Democratic. While Atkins has been known to shoot his mouth off, the Democrats have been known to shoot their foot off, so who knows what will happen? POLI-TICKINGPosted: March 3, 2004 It's the little things that make politics tick. This is a column about that. Paul G. Clark shows he is serious about running in New Castle County. Patrick W. Murray makes a serious move in Kent County. Matthew P. Denn, an insurance commissioner candidate, breaks up all that seriousness. FORMER COUNTY EXEC RICK COLLINS
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