An amazing thing has happened in Delaware. A decision was made to divide the Democratic Party. Funds were misspent, and tempers have flared. This week, the Delaware Democratic Party came to the conclusion that it was acceptable to use donations, given to the party to defeat Republicans, to instead defeat a fellow Democrat. It was an action that has all Delawareans talking.
In Delaware we have a very contentious Democratic Primary in the process between two fine Democrats seeking the Governorship. For the first time in my life, Delaware Democrats have been given a choice. A competitive primary hasn't occurred in decades, and we were all eager for this year's race. Unfortunately, the insiders, the folks behind closed doors were the few outliers hoping no such contest would occur. They have made it their mission to defeat Jack Markell, and see to it that John Carney is elected.
The fact that this group decided to endorse Mr. Carney is one thing. It came as no surprise that a panel hand-chosen by Lt. Gov. Carney's boss, the governor would pass the torch onto the man who was supposedly "next in line". Unfortunately, the party has taken it a step too far.
This week, they began running radio ads for Carney, using money donated to them by all Delawareans, many of whom support Jack Markell. When we made such donations we were told that this money was going to be used for the betterment of the Democratic platform, and to defeat Republicans in the fall. There are a lot of offices across Delaware, and the nation, where it's difficult to raise appropriate funds to organize and run a campaign. Seats like county council, mayor, and even state House seats depend on money raised by the Delaware Democratic Party, and the State parties around the nation. This money, meant to beat Republicans, has instead been spent to beat a fellow Democrat. It is simply unconscionable!
My question to all of you is have you ever heard of such a tactic? Have you ever seen a state Democratic Party squander money given to them to support Democrats, not defeat them? Because what we have to remember, is that when folks went to write these checks many were already backing Jack Markell, and some were undecided just hoping to move forward the Democratic platform. Instead we've been divided, and many, on both sides, have turned bitter. Have you seen this in your state?
Today, Jack Markell, endorsed by Twenty-First Century Democrats, Young Democrats Movement, Delaware Progressive Democrats, and even Democracy for America, held a press conference addressing the issues of these misspent funds, and asked Carney to reimburse the people.
Jack speaks truth to power, just like all progressive Democrats!
As he spoke to an overflowing crowd at his Wilmington Headquarters, he told us all, "It is disappointing that Lieutenant Governor Carney is using the State Party to pay for ads for his own campaign with funds that should be used to support Barack Obama, or my friend Matt Denn, or a great legislator like Terry Schooley, or our entire slate of Democratic candidates in the fall." The fact of the matter is, we need true blue, progressive Democrats all across this nation, and we shouldn't squander a dime.
That's me in the center. We want our money back, and respect restored to the party!
So I ask you again, have you ever seen such an outrage?
Mad enough, visit Jack Markell's website, and take a look at what he has to say. Donate perhaps? :)