If you could take the problem of corporate DLC Democrats and make it into a state, that state will be called Delaware.
I have been at Daily Kos for over four years now. And my focus has traditionally been national politics and meta issues. Whether it is a rant against the Bush Administration, or a SYFPH diary against the purists or disgruntled Deaniacs, Edwardsians or Clarkies, my diaries rarely focused on local issues.
I have decided to change that. Delaware is entering a spectactular election season. Governor Ruth Ann Minner (D)is term limited, and her Lt. Governor, John Carney (D), will be engaged in an epic primary battle with State Treasurer Jack Markell (D). Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn (D) will square off with Wilmington City Council President Ted Blunt (D) for the job of Lt. Governor. This leaves the Insurance Commissioner's job open, and, of course, we have the possibility of upheaval in our Congressional races.
Papa Joe Biden is running for President. And he is up for reelection this year. Will his longshot campaign take off? Will he be chosen as a Vice Presidential candidate? Will he run for reelection? Can he run for reelection and for President or Vice President at the same time? Will he be in the next Democratic administration as a cabinet member. If he does run for reelection, there is not much excitement.
But if he doesn't, then the fireworks begin. Who will run to replace him?
Then you have the drama of our State Attorney General, Beau Biden, actually being deployed to fight in Iraq. Yes, you read that right. One of the top office holders in Delaware is being deployed. Attorney General Biden is a member of the Delaware National Guard, which is being deployed.
And then there is Delaware's only Congressman, Mike Castle (R), who is a dinosaur for a number of reasons. He is one of the few Northeastern Republicans left. He is one of the few "moderate" Republicans left. Plus, he is old and frail.
In 2006, rather than getting his customary 70%, he only got 57% against an underfinanced candidate. The local Delaware blogosphere is trying to ramp up a serious challenge to him this year, and I want to join in that effort.
Hence my headlong dive into the local blogging scene. And to be sure, Delaware has some great local blogs. Check my blogroll to the right. Delaware Liberal, Tommywonk, Delaware Watch. But they are not precisely focused on elections, which is what I want to do focus on. Further, none of them have the Scoop comment system, and thus they all are infested on occassion by local Republican trolls.
So I want to start a Daily Delaware, or a mini-Daily Kos style site, which allows group participation.
So how do I do that? Do I use Soapblox? I am looking for tips and suggestions before I really start the reseach.
Secondly, what should it be called? Vote in the Poll below.