CASE STUDY: Indiana Booming With Jobs. Why Not Delaware?

Ever since Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed the bill to change how Indiana does business, there phone has been ringing off the hook with companies looking to set up business.  The law changed Indiana to a right-to-work state.  While it may currently lag Texas and Florida, Indiana is in the drivers seat on job creation and that will be a much welcome change for the rust belt state.

Right before the law became effective in March, Governor Daniels was quote as saying:

"We've already signed new agreements with three companies, one announced and two to come soon," Daniels said Monday. "There are 31 companies as of Friday night now on our negotiation rolls who've identified right-to-work as a major, if not the major, factor in their interest in Indiana."

Why Not Delaware?

 The reason why Delaware has not embraced the right-to-work idea is a lack of political courage.  Currently, Delaware is a forced union state and with Democrats controlling the Governor's mansion and both chambers of the Delaware General Assembly, there is no political will to put Delawareans back to work.  The reason for that is right-to-work endangers the Delaware Way and the power currently held by Delaware Democrats.

Delaware unions come out en mass on election day here in Delaware to support the one party that butters their bread.  And for it, Democrats don't have the political courage to do what is right for the rest of the citizens who are not in a union.  But what did this blind loyalty get unions and Delaware Democrats - two closed auto plants (General Motors and Chrysler) and one failed promise from Fisker Automotive.

Not since 1981 when Governor Pete du Pont signed the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 has Delaware seen a boon in job creation.  The passage of the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 has brought major financial powerhouses to Delaware including JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Discover and their predecessors.  Today, tens of thousands are employed by

Imagine if the economic boom created by the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 was replicated today?  It could, if elected Delaware politicians embrace right to work.   Just look at all of the states that have it and how do they compare to Delaware.

While Delaware's current unemployment rate is mid-line, Delaware's numbers may be skewed due to population demographics and citizens leaving the work force entirely.  Regardless, an unemployment rate of 6.9% is unacceptable. The citizens of Delaware deserve better, and a political sea change is the only way to get there.  This is why elections matter.

Is Delaware’s Lampstand About to Be Extinguished?

No matter which Main Street you walk or drive down in any town in Delaware, reminders of this fragile, global economy show lifelessness and despair.  Empty storefronts have become the new symbol of the Obama and Markell economy.  Broken American dreams are all that remain.

Thirty years ago, Delaware was the economic engine of this nation. Corporate powerhouses such as  DuPont, Wilmington Trust, MBNA were once symbols of Delaware’s former prominence on the global economic stage. Today, DuPont is a shell of what it once was in Delaware due to a shift in global demand of chemicals to developing nations.  Wilmington Trust and MBNA have been bought by other banks and are no longer.  Delaware was once the proud home to two automotive plants run by General Motors and Chrysler.  Today, they are gone.  Delaware’s economic stature is dimming.

What has changed?  Thirty years ago, Ronald Reagan was in the White House and Governor Pete du Pont was in the Governor’s mansion.  Today, it is President Obama in Washington and Jack Markell in Dover as Delaware’s Governor.  In a generation, Delaware has lost its footing and unless things change, it does not look like we will gain it back.  

Today, Delaware’s economic performance and outlook are bleak with no signs of hope on the horizon.  While Delaware is in the top ten states to make a living, the state’s budget and tax policy hinder economic growth.  As of late, due to Democratic control of both chambers of the Delaware General Assembly and the Governor’s mansions, Delaware has been in a continual tax and spend marathon. 

Since 2009, Delaware has ranked 49^th out of 50 in legislative tax changes¹ with over $9.38 out of every $1000 being levied a new tax.  Since then the top marginal personal income tax rate increased to 8.2 percent and the top marginal corporate tax rate climbed to 9.98 percent.  These legislated tax increases are the result to address an 11.4 budget gap in the FY2011 budget gap.

For us conservatives, we know Delaware has a spending problem.  If you don’t think so, then why are taxes soaring to make up for the spending spree?  Perhaps if Delaware wasn’t spending $6,800 per person² it is annual budget, then these tax increases would not be necessary.  Perhaps if that expenditure wasn’t two and half times that of Nevada (which is 44 times the size of Delaware), then Delaware families and businesses would not be the state’s ATM.

Thirty years ago when conservative principles governed Delaware, its economy functioned on all cylinders.  With each passing election since, liberals replaced conservatives.  Spending boomed, taxes soared, companies left for more business-friendly states.  The result of what we are faced with now, is a state riddled in big government, bureaucracy, and an ideology that government is the solution.

2012 brings enormous opportunity and responsibility for the Delaware voter.  This very well could be the last meaningful election to make a difference.  Do we allow Delaware to be driven off the cliff pedal to the metal, or do we elect constitutional, fiscal conservatives to Legislative Hall who are going to take a machete rather than a scalpel to the state budget?  If we remember one thing from the 2010 election, remember the wise words of State Senator Colin Bonini (R-Dover) who echoed time and again “It’s OUR money.” 

Perhaps with proper representation and leadership in Dover, Delaware would not have a spending problem that forces individuals and businesses to carry the weight forced upon us by those elected to serve.  Delaware Democrats has been on spending binge, but when you have a trifecta of government control (Governor, State House and State Senate) with no opportunity to have proper checks and balances or adults in the room, the taxpayer credit card will be maxed out. 

Perhaps if our elected leaders were good stewards of our finite resources and If we treated elections with the same care as we did for our loved ones and not like a popularity contest, Delaware’s lamsptand would shine a bit brighter.

¹ Source: America Legislative Exchange Council.  Rich States, Poor States 4^th Edition.  http://www.alec.org/docs/RSPS_4th_Edition.pdf

² Source: The Six States Where Taxes are Soaring via 24/7 Wall Street  http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/03/21/6-states-where-taxes-are-soaring/

Why Governor Markell Should Lose in 2012

Earlier today, the Caesar Rodney Institute (CRI) released its new report on the state of the state, and the numbers are pretty damning for Democratic Governor Jack Markell.  Just like the rest of the nation, Delaware's economy is in shambles, schools fail to educate and the state government is bloated by a tax then spend mentality.  

Since Governor Markell's inauguration Delaware has lost at a minimum of 15,000 jobs bringing its unemployment rate down 3.6 percent.  Hiring in Delaware continues to be anemic at best with hiring down -2826, and that is with a smaller workforce.  It is also important to note that this trend mirrors the national economy and blame also belongs to fellow Democratic President Barack Obama who like Governor Markell suffer from perpetual incompetence on running a government.

With the state government being the largest employer, and the financial firms followed behind the headwinds for Delaware look questionable for Delaware.  Delaware's bloated balance sheet continues to drag down its competitiveness amongst better run states like South Carolina and Texas which enjoy employers announcing new start ups or new operations there. The financial sector in Delaware is up in the air with announced bank layoffs hovering over 150,000 nationwide.  What than means for Bank of America (acquired MBNA in 2006 and announced over 40,000 layoffs); Citi (announced layoffs of 4,500); and Barclays (announced layoffs of 2,800) is uncertain.  All three banks have operations centers in Delaware employing thousands.

For Governor Markell who was an executive at Nextel, and Alan Levin (former CEO of Happy Harry's and head of the state's economic development office), Delaware's economic record has been underwhelming.  For two executives to have performed this badly and not being able to sell Delaware as a place to live and do business, this has to be telling of the failed liberal economic philosophy. 

Could it be that Delaware's economy is just to big to attract new businesses?
Could it be that Delaware's business regulations are too toxic for entrepreneurs to risk capital to start their own businesses?


Could it be that Delaware's education system is not educating its students to the risk that businesses don't feel we have an workforce worthy of employing? According to the CRI report, Delaware's public schools, for the dollars spent, are failing to do just that.  High school students are failing to pass basic math, reading and science metrics.  SAT scores are down statewide.  Governor Markell has embraced Race to the Top, but the scores prove its more like race to the bottom.

For Governor Markell who attracted scores of Republicans in his 2008 victory and appointed Republican Alan Levin, why haven't they explored more conservative ideas such as right to work to bring in new employers?  Why did Governor Markell reject Hyundai Motor's request to buy the defunct Newark Chrysler plant because they wanted a right-to-work provision over hiring union labor? 

Political ideology has mired Delaware's economy to be continually anemic for over two decades and it is time it comes to an end.  The current trajectory of stagnant economic growth, high employment, higher government unfunded liabilities and higher taxes is causing Delaware to be as attractive as the fat kid with acne.  Simply put, until Delaware gets its fiscal house in order, educates its students on substance and promotes opportunity over dependence; Delaware will continue to lag behind pro-growth states.

In 2012, We Have Options
 
Any person who has performed this poorly in the private sector surely would be thrown out on their backside and Delawareans must do the same to Governor Markell.  Maybe it is time Delaware elect an actual business owner likely declared GOP candidate Jeff Cragg who has owned multiple businesses in northern Delaware.  Unlike Markell, Cragg actually believes in free-markets and his businesses continue to weather the storm despite headwinds put in by national and Delaware progressives to turn this nation and this state into a third world banana republic.

The question every Delawarean voter is are you better off today then were on January 20, 2009?  Are you better off today than you were twenty years ago, when the last Republican governor ran Delaware?  

Making The First State First Again

The last time a Republican has occupied the Governor’s mansion was in January 1993.  In January 1993 then Governor Michael Castle went to Washington to become Delaware’s lone Congressman and Democrat Tom Carper became Governor.    During the reigns of Tom Carper, Ruth Ann Minner and now Jack Markell, Delaware’s economy has been a roller coaster.   As of late the roller coaster ride is on the straight away track waiting for an uphill climb, but we are not sure when or if that will ever happen.

Delaware’s economy mirrors the same trajectory as the national one, with unemployment hovering over 8.2 percent.  In the last few years we have watched Delaware’s corporate landscape shrink with General Motors, Chrysler, Valero shutting down their plants sending thousands to the unemployment lines.  MBNA was sold to Bank of America and as of this writing 30,000 Bank of America employees face pink slips.  DuPont, one of Delaware’s oldest and storied employers has been shrinking its North America workforce and shipping jobs overseas as emerging markets become the growth sector.

The last twenty years in Delaware has eroded Delaware’s prominence with elected leaders ignoring the warning signs and failing to react with positive leadership to change course.  With the changing economic landscape in Delaware, what can our elected leaders do to change course? 

Make Delaware a Right To Work State – Currently, Delaware is a forced unionism state which prevents companies that do not want to hire a union workforce to avoid Delaware in favor of states that allow them to operate without forced unions.  A right to work state allows employers and its employees to decide for themselves if they would like to become a union shop.  If Delaware become a right-to-work state, Delaware would become more attractive to potential employers.

Make Delaware the Silicon Valley of the East – What propelled Delaware to world-wide prominence with du Pont, Hercules and W.L. Gore, must be the focus of the 21^st Century Delaware if we are to create high-tech, science and technology jobs.  It is unknown if Delaware will ever be a manufacturing state again or what Delaware’s banking sector will look like in the future, but Delaware must make it easier to explore research and development, including start ups in the science and technology field.  Delaware’s high schools, colleges and universities must have strong curriculums that embrace science, technology, engineering and math.  Governor Jack Markell emphasized this, but little has been done to date of making this a reality.

Deregulate Energy – While it has been tried in the past, we must deregulate the energy industry in Delaware.  Increased competition with lower rates and more advanced greener solutions will not only reduce the energy cost burdens on Delaware families and business, but will also open the gates for green technology jobs.  While the jury is still out on green jobs, America’s success has been on the trial and error of innovation entering the free markets to see what sticks and what doesn’t.  Who knows, Delaware could become the hub of green technology jobs if we let it, and do it right.  With rising costs on energy and fuel, the environment for success is ripe for the taking.

Create a Medical School in Delaware – Much talk about opening a law school in Delaware has been done, but with Delaware’s aging population health and health technology is more important than ever.  Delaware already has a law school with Widener in North Wilmington, but Delaware lacks a medical school.  The future demand on health care demand is ripe for Delaware to enter the foray of medicine and medical technology. 

Lower Tax Burden on Individuals and Businesses – Historical evidence has proven that when the tax burden is lowered on individuals and businesses, consumer confidence and spending goes up and businesses respond with higher growth and increased employment.  Lowering Delaware’s tax burden will also attracted small businesses that otherwise would not have been started to open and given an opportunity to flourish.

Remove Bureaucratic Red Tape for Business Start Ups – In order to make Delaware the economic laboratory of innovation, Delaware must become once again a center of entrepreneurship and innovation.  Delaware’s elected leaders must review all red tape and bureaucracy that hinder a business start up from happening.  Small businesses historically create the most net jobs, and this is the engine of Delaware’s economy.  Until Main Streets through Delaware are filled with store fronts and businesses, Delaware’s economic success will be nothing but a distant memory. 

Delaware’s economic success is contingent on the vision and leadership of its elected leaders.  Elections matter, and elected leaders must focus on free market enterprise, not government regulation to drive Delaware’s economic engine.  Let’s band together for a prosperous free-market Delaware.

This article was previously published in the October 2011 edition of The Conservative Caucus of Delaware's quarterly newsletter.  To become a subscriber contact ccofde@yahoo.com.

Why Delaware should become a Right-to-Work State

Simply put, right-to-work states are economically better off.

The study conducted by Republican Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina shows that right-to-work states have benefitted from workers migrated to those states for jobs.  The result is that states that protect workers rights to unionize and collect dues, resulted in less jobs and corporations willing to establish there.

Delaware is not a right to work state, which may explain why General Motors and Chrysler bailed.  Despite not being a right to work state, Delaware has not been on the list to attract new businesses as of late.  Delaware ranked 42nd (out of 50, in case you forgot).  Delaware ranked number one in business friendliness thanks to the Chancery Court of Delaware, but failed on the rest:

• Ranked 36th on cost of business
• Ranked 17th on quality of workforce
• Ranked 47th on quality of life
• Ranked 45th on the economy
• Ranked 40th on transportation infrastructure
• Ranked 33rd on technology and innovation
• Ranked 25th on (quality of) education
• Ranked 20th on access to capital
• Ranked 32nd on cost of living

For the ruling party in control, the liberal agenda in Delaware is not working.  High taxation, education with mediocre or no results, red tape to open a business plague Delaware's prospects.  Gone are the days of being a business mecca like during the era of Gov. Pete DuPont. 

Maybe, just maybe if Delaware leaders realized that forced unionization and the hidden cost of prevailing wage has driven businesses to other states.  Wouldn't you?

DE House GOP draft Delaware Health Care Freedom Act

Bill Seeks to Give Delawareans More Freedom Over Healthcare Choices


Announcement made on anniversary of the enactment of  'Obamacare'

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2011

For More Information: Joe Fulgham (302) 744-4184

On the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), State Rep. Deborah Hudson (R-Fairthorne) has unveiled a bill intended to preserve the right of Delawareans to make their own healthcare decisions.

The Delaware Health Freedom Act specifies that Delawareans are free to choose, or decline to choose, all healthcare services, without penalty or threat of penalty.

"The federal government does not have the legal authority to mandate that citizens purchase healthcare coverage, yet that.s exactly what it.s done," Rep. Hudson said.

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides that powers not granted to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states and individual citizens.

"Obamacare is the worst kind of legislation,"Rep. Hudson said. "It not only tries to extend the power of the federal government into the most basic and private decisions of our families, it does so through coercive actions that attempt to bully people into submission."

Supporters of the bill say it has two core objectives: to preserve Delawareans. freedom of choice in matters of healthcare; and defend Delaware.s right to govern its own citizens.

"Under this bill, our residents would have free will to join the government plan, continue with their private healthcare coverage, or pay for their healthcare out of their own pocket . without the threat of being intimidated into a decision by the federal government," Rep. Hudson said.

Modeled after legislation successfully enacted in Arizona, the Delaware Health Freedom Act would¡¦

. provide standing to a state participating in current litigation against the federal mandate to force citizens to buy healthcare coverage;

. allow a state to launch additional 10th-Amendment-based litigation if the current lawsuits fail; and

. empower a state attorney general to litigate on behalf of individuals harmed by the mandate once it goes into effect in 2014.

Rep. Hudson said the legislation is identical to House Bill 353, which died in the House Administration Committee last year. The committee is composed solely of House leaders and was defeated along a party-line vote of 3-to-2. Speaker of the House Bob Gilligan (D-Sherwood Park), State House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf (D-Rehoboth Beach) and State House Majority Whip Valerie Longhurst (D-Bear) all voted against allowing the bill to move to the floor for open debate.

"A lot has happened since then,"Rep. Hudson said.

Since the start of 2010, 43 states have either introduced or announced bills similar to the Delaware Health Freedom Act. According to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) . which has been a leader in the fight against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act . six states (Virginia, Idaho, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, and Missouri) have enacted such legislation, and two states (Arizona and Oklahoma) have adopted it as part of their state constitutions.

Additionally, 26 states are suing the federal government over the issue of unconstitutional mandates and the U.S. House of Representatives voted in January to repeal Obamacare.

ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Director Christie Herrera said Obamacare is a flawed piece of legislation, noting that although the law is nearly three years away from being fully implemented, the federal government has already granted over 700 waivers.

"In refusing to let this bill be debated by the full House, Rep. Schwartzkopf said he didn't think Delaware needed to get involved because other states were taking action and we could ride their coattails," Rep. Hudson said. "That thinking is not only incredibly shortsighted, it also violates our oath as state representatives to .respect the rights of future generations. and .uphold and defend the constitutions. of our country and state."

State House Minority Whip Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View) points out there is a profound economic aspect to Obamacare that could have grave implications for the state and all Delaware taxpayers.

Delaware will spend approximately $600 million in the upcoming budget to pay for the state.s share of Medicaid . a state-federal partnership to provide healthcare to low and medium income residents. "Medicaid expenses have been one of the leading budget drivers for our state in recent years," Rep. Hocker said.

According to information supplied by Gov. Jack Markell.s office, Medicaid expenses have increased by 120-percent over the last 10 years and are expected to jump by more than $50 million in the budget that takes effect July 1st.

"To comply with the new regulations, 33 states will see their Medicaid rolls jump by 20 to 30 percent and some states will see their Medicaid rolls jump by 50 percent or more,¡± said ALEC.s Christie Herrera. ¡°And because of the .maintenance of effort. requirement, which prevents states from cutting Medicaid eligibility, states will be forced to either cut funding in other areas, reduce Medicaid benefits for existing enrollees, and/or raise taxes."

Rep. Hocker said most people don.t yet realize the financial impact Obamacare is going to have on their families, both in higher taxes and mandated medical coverage. "It won.t be fully phased-in until 2014 and many of the regulations for how it.ll be implemented are still being written," he said. "According to published figures, if this is left unchecked, it.ll result in more than $600 billion in new or increased taxes within the next 10 years. That doesn.t even take into account the higher cost of goods and services because of the healthcare expenses businesses will be forced to pass along to their customers. We need to protect our citizens by enacting the Delaware Healthcare Freedom Act."

Rep. Hudson said killing her bill in committee last year was an act of cowardice that should not be repeated.
"This bill should be debated on the floor and voted up or down on its merits. What trumped-up excuse is there for not allowing an open debate on this issue? What case could anyone make for opposing an effort to give our citizens the freedom to make their own healthcare choices? If the opponents to this bill have valid arguments, they should not be ducking a discussion by keeping this bill bottled-up in committee. Their obligation to the people they are supposed to be representing should outweigh their loyalty to their party leader on Pennsylvania Ave."

###

Does Delaware Need A National Park?

In Congress' last session, Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ted Kaufmann (D-DE) submitted S.1801 to create the First State National Historical Park.  The intent is to commemorate the historical significance of Delaware's rich history.  Here is the text of the bill:

S.1801 -- First State National Historical Park Act (Introduced in Senate - IS)



S 1801 IS
111th CONGRESS
1st Session

S. 1801

To establish the First State National Historical Park in the State of Delaware, and for other purposes.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

October 20, 2009

Mr. CARPER (for himself and Mr. KAUFMAN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A BILL

To establish the First State National Historical Park in the State of Delaware, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `First State National Historical Park Act'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

(a) Findings- Congress finds that--
(1) the State of Delaware contains a collection of nationally significant resources relating to--
(A) the early succession of the Dutch, Swedish, and English settlement of the United States; and
(B) the period leading up to the role of Delaware as the first State to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787;
(2) among the resources relating to the early settlement of the United States are--
(A) National Historic Landmarks in Wilmington, Delaware, including--
(i) the site of Fort Christina, which was--
(I) constructed in 1638 by colonists led by Peter Minuet to be the focal point of New Sweden; and
(II) the first Swedish settlement in North America; and
(ii) Old Swedes Church, which is the oldest church building still standing as originally built;
(B) historic sites in New Castle, Delaware, including--
(i) Fort Casimir, which was constructed by the Dutch in 1651; and
(ii) the New Castle Historic District, which is the location of an assemblage of resources associated with Dutch, Swedish, and English settlement of the State; and
(C) the Lewes Historic District in Lewes, Delaware, which--
(i) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places;
(ii) was a significant location for early Dutch settlement and early nationhood;
(iii) is the oldest town formed in Delaware; and
(iv) contains Ryves Holt House, which--
(I) was built in 1665; and
(II) is the oldest building still standing in the State;
(3) among the nationally significant resources relating to the period of English settlement and the birth of the United States are a collection of resources in New Castle, Delaware, including--
(A) the Old New Castle Courthouse, which served as the capitol of the colony until 1777; and
(B) other National Historic Landmarks, including--
(i) the home of John Dickinson, who is known as the `Penman of the Revolution';
(ii) the Jacob Broom House, which was the home of Jacob Broom, delegate to the Constitutional Convention;
(iii) Lombardy Hall, which was the home of Gunning Bedford, Jr., delegate to the Constitutional Convention; and
(iv) Stonum, which was the home of George Read, who was--
(I) a delegate to the Constitutional Convention; and
(II) an advocate of the early ratification of the Constitution by the State of Delaware;
(4) Dover Green, laid out in 1717 in accordance with the 1683 orders of William Penn, was the site at which Delaware--
(A) voted to ratify the Constitution;
(B) mustered a Continental Regiment during the Revolution; and
(C) celebrated the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776;
(5) the State Archives in Dover, Delaware, contains records and documents of persons and events that contribute to public knowledge and understanding of--
(A) the period of the early settlement of Delaware; and
(B) the role of Delaware as the First State;
(6) the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Delaware--
(A) commemorates the founding of the first European settlement in the State by the Dutch in 1631; and
(B) provides exhibits and information on the maritime, social, and military history of the Lewes area; and
(7) it is fitting and proper that the resources described in this subsection be recognized through the establishment of the first unit of the National Park System in the State of Delaware so that the public may better understand and appreciate the contributions of those resources to the history of the United States.
(b) Purpose- The purpose of this Act is to establish the First State National Historical Park to preserve, protect, and promote public understanding and appreciation of--
(1) the cultural and historic resources associated with early Dutch, Swedish, and English settlement in Delaware; and
(2) the events, places, and persons associated with the role of Delaware as the `First State'.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) MAP- The term `map' means the map entitled `First State National Historical Park-Proposed Boundary', numbered [Struck out->][ XXXX ][<-Struck out] , and dated [Struck out->][ XXXXX ][<-Struck out] .
(2) PARK- The term `Park' means the First State National Historical Park established by section 4(a).
(3) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of the Interior.
(4) STATE- The term `State' means the State of Delaware.

SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST STATE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK.
(a) Establishment- There is established in the State a unit of the National Park System to be known as the `First State National Historical Park'.
(b) Purpose- The purpose of the Park is to preserve, protect, and interpret--
(1) the historic and cultural resources associated with Dutch, Swedish, and English settlement in the State; and
(2) the resources associated with the role of the State as the first State to ratify the Constitution.
(c) Boundaries-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Park shall be comprised of the following, as generally depicted on the map:
(A) The New Castle Historic District.
(B) Fort Christina.
(C) The Old Swedes Church.
(D) The John Dickinson Plantation.
(E) Lombardy Hall.
(F) Stonum.
(G) The Lewes Historic District.
(H) The Dover Green.
(2) AVAILABILITY OF MAP- The map shall be available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.
(3) HEADQUARTERS- The headquarters for the Park shall be in the City of New Castle, Delaware.
(d) Acquisition of Land- The Secretary may acquire land or interests in land within the boundaries of the Park by--
(1) donation;
(2) purchase from willing sellers with donated or appropriated funds; or
(3) exchange.
(e) Administration- The Secretary shall administer the Park in accordance with--
(1) this Act; and
(2) the laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including--
(A) the National Park Service Organic Act (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and
(B) the Act of August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.).
(f) Grants and Cooperative Agreements- Subject to the availability of funds under section 6(a), the Secretary may provide grants and technical assistance to, and to enter into cooperative agreements with--
(1) the State, political subdivisions of the State (including the cities of Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, and Lewes, Delaware), nonprofit organizations, and private property owners for--
(A) the development, management, and operation of visitor service facilities, subject to the non-Federal entity agreeing to provide the National Park Service, at no extra cost, with sufficient office space and exhibition areas to carry out the purposes of the Park within the facilities;
(B) historic preservation of, research on, and interpretation of properties within the boundary of the Park, including research on the archaeology of the Park;
(C) public access;
(D) educational programs; and
(E) signage and interpretive devices on properties and sites within the Park for interpretive purposes; and
(2) the State Archives located in Dover, Delaware, and the Zwaanandael Museum located in Lewes, Delaware, for research and exhibits relating to the purposes of the Park.
(g) Interpretation- The Secretary may provide interpretive tours to historic sites within the State located outside the boundaries of the Park that include resources relating to--
(1) early Dutch, Swedish, and English settlement; and
(2) the period leading up to the role of the State as the first State to ratify the Constitution.
(h) General Management Plan- Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this subsection, the Secretary, in coordination with the State and in consultation with owners of properties within the boundaries of the Park, shall prepare a general management plan for the Park in accordance with section 12(b) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-7(b)).

SEC. 5. STUDY OF ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES.
(a) In General- Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available under section 6(a), the Secretary shall complete a study regarding the preservation and interpretation of additional properties in the State that relate to the purposes described in section 4(b).
(b) Inclusions- The study shall include an assessment of--
(1) the potential for designating the properties as National Historic Landmarks; and
(2) options for maintaining the historic integrity of the properties.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act, including--
(1) $3,000,000 for grants to the State, political subdivisions of the State, and nonprofit organizations for the rehabilitation of existing structures to serve as administrative and visitor services facilities for the Park; and
(2) $2,500,000 for grants to the State, political subdivisions of the State, private property owners, and nonprofit organizations for--
(A) the historic preservation and restoration of resources within the boundary of the Park; and
(B) the costs of design, construction, installation, and maintenance of any exhibits relating to the Park.
(b) Non-Federal Share-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Federal share of the cost of activities under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) shall be not more than 50 percent.
(2) FORM- The non-Federal share required under paragraph (1) may be in the form of in-kind contributions of goods or services fairly valued.

The premise of this bill to make these landmarks part of Delaware's first national park may be sincere.  But these landmarks are already registered nationally.  By creating the national park, local control over these landmarks would be lost, and that would be tragic.

Would you like historic New Castle to be a controlled by the federal government? 

By making these a national park, Senators Carper and Kaufmann have failed to understand the impact to these areas.  Many of these areas are not conducive to massive tourist travel.

As the U.S. government barrels along with $14 Trillion in debt, and over $1.5T in deficit spending annually, how can we as a nation afford this?  Nice idea, but the credit cards have been maxed out.

Delaware State Unemployment Edges up to 8.5%

Liberal policies that stifle economic growth and continue to permeate throughout Delaware.  The infection has taken the job market and put it in the ICU here in Delaware.  Of note:

• In all of 2010, Delaware only added 500 jobs, excluding agriculture. 
• 1,700 jobs were lost in December 2010
• 35,900 Delawareans who want work remain jobless

Is it going to take every Delaware to be on food stamps to realize that progressive policies really are regressive.  Not sure how it could be put any other way. 

More here from the News Journal.

HSBC Layoff Announcement Highlights Delaware's Failing Business Climate

Today's announcement by HSBC to shed 500 jobs at its New Castle, Del. site highlights Delaware's failing business climate.  What drove HSBC to discontinue credit card and collections at this site, may only be a partial truth.  What was not report in the News Journal article, was whether HSBC is shifting those functions to another state or country.

Since HSBC did not outright state it was divesting the entire credit card operation, the likeliness of shifting these jobs to another state or country are pretty high.  And that is a bad story for Delaware and for New Castle County. The next follow-up to this story should be why did New Castle County and Delaware governments fail HSBC to make such as decision. 

The questions that need to be answered are:

• What did Delaware or New Castle County not do, that others states or countries do to prevent another recurrence?
• What did the Delaware Department of Economic Development not do to retain those jobs?
• What factors did HSBC utilize to evaluate why to shed those jobs?

Governor Jack Markell, New Castle County Executive Paul Clark and Delaware Economic Development head Alan Levin have a daunting task ahead in trying to understand what happened here.  Not only do they need to be held accountable for this action by a private employer in our governments inability to have a favorable business climate, but they need to put in stop-gaps to prevent another firm from doing the same thing.

Delaware may have the top bill in legal ranking nationwide that supports our business community, but this alone is not enough.  Delaware needs businesses and jobs for every Delawarean that wants a job.  The Tax Foundation's 2010 state rankings on business friendliness  may have Delaware ranked 8th nationally but state and county budget shortfalls will lead to higher taxes in 2011 and beyond.  Delaware's education ranking by the American Legislative Education Council as 19th best in the nation is a call for dire improvement to create an educated workforce.

Another facet to Delaware's ailing business climate could be that marketing (or lack thereof) of what Delaware has to offer businesses.  A September 2010 report by Development Counsellors International, and independent firm that analyzes business friendliness for governments submitted a report to Delaware's Department of Economic Development.  The report highlights Delaware's weaknesses and challenges.  Some highlights includes Delaware's weaknesses on infrastructure, small labor pool, high cost to establish business and lack of incentive to conduct business in Delaware.  The challenges include addressing the same weaknesses, as well as overcoming more competitive incentives from other states and having more business zones with established commercial sites.

Delaware and New County Government leaders facing a daunting task, and we can only hope they have the knowledge and fortitude to get us out of this conundrum.  Delaware's workforce is reeling from bad political decisions and state and county coffers are suffering as a result.  Until Delaware focuses on jobs and job retention, this picture will not improve.  Delaware and New Castle County needs leadership and leadership now.

December 7th: A Beginning of an Experiment, and a Date Which Will Live in Infamy

When most people think of December 7th, they think of only of the two major events to happen on this date.  But for America there are two historic events that have forever changed our nation.

December 7, 1787 is a date every American must know just like July 4th and Christmas.  This date was the day America was born as a nation, when visionaries from the state of Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution.  The brave step by these founding fathers and patriots of the American Revolution gave birth to a nation that has championed opportunity and liberty for all citizens.  No other nation in the world has been as blessed as this one, and it all started by a little state on the Eastern seaboard to kick start what we have enjoyed for 233 years.

December 7, 1941 marks the first terrorist attack on U.S. soil by a sovereign nation.  Japan's horrific attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was the catalyst that forced the U.S. into a contentious and brutal battle in World War II.  American personal casualties on that tragic day were 2,042 casualties and 1,282 wounded.



President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941 as a "date which will live in infamy" after the Japan's unannounced provocation of an attack, despite on-going diplomatic negotiations.



As history has shown, this horrific attack catapulted the U.S. in World War II against Japan, Germany and Italy.  Germany and Italy were unrelated to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but to stop communism

Delaware Should Join Movement for 'Don't Tread on Me' License Plates

It is only fitting that the First State to join the union, join the movement to allow drivers to put 'Don't Tread on Me' license plates on their vehicles.  Three states - Virginia, Nevada and now Texas - have announced or passed legislation to allow motorists to express their patriotic enthusiasm for the Gadsden Flag plates.  But, will Delaware?

The State of Delaware on its standard blue and gold (actually the color of buff) license plate, proudly advertises 'The First State'.   Back on December 7, 1787, the Small Wonder started the experiment our Founding Fathers envisioned and what we have enjoyed to know as the United States of America.  What Delaware started, Delaware must continue. 

While some may balk at the notion of the Gadsden Flag being on display on cars throughout the State due to its symbolic use by Tea Parties across the nation. But, the Gadsden Flag is very much a part of America's storied history.  The Gadsden Flag was used by the first U.S. Marines in 1775, who along side the U.S. Navy to incercept incoming British ships carrying war supplies to the British troops in the colonies.  Named after its designer, General Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina, the flag was a symbol of America's fight against the British.  Often in writing before and during the Revolutionary War, America was depicted as snake because the snake (America) joined to fight a British dragon.

Now America, and its citizens are fighting for America's survival.  Millions of concerned Americans have held rallies and marched in our nation's capitol to demand limited government and fiscal restraint and accountability.  Nothing is more fitting for Delaware motorists than the opportunity to display the Gadsden Flag as moniker for America's independence, and why we fought for that independence.  For now, we are fighting for indepdendence from Statists who want to enslave Americans with endless social programs and exorbitant tax burdens.

Sussex County Urges Congress to Reconsider Fuel Tax Bill

Sussex County (Delaware) adopted a resolution urging Congress to rethink its plans to institute a tax bill.  Please see the press release below from Chip Guy, Chief of Public Information for Sussex County.

Sussex County urges Congress to reconsider fuel tax bill

Georgetown, Del., Nov. 30, 2010: Sussex County Council is urging Congressional leaders to back off a proposal that would increase the federal fuel tax, an idea that, if enacted, would mean more dollars out of the pockets of Sussex Countians and millions of Americans.

County Council, at its Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, meeting, adopted a resolution calling on Delaware’s Congressional Delegation to withdraw any support for the proposal to raise by 25 cents a gallon – or any other increased amount – the federal portion of the fuel tax to pay for infrastructure improvements, such as bridges and roads.

County leaders, at the behest of Council President Vance Phillips, said the timing of the proposal is poor, given record unemployment and the flagging national economy.

“People are hurting. They’ve lost jobs, they’re struggling to make ends meet. Businesses are hurting, too,” Council President Phillips said. “To ask the people to pick up one cent more of government spending is wrong, and for many Americans, it could break the bank.”

Council’s resolution is non-binding, but County leaders said they are hopeful their decision will send a message to Washington that actions there filter down to the local level and reach into the pockets of hard-working, everyday people.

County Administrator David Baker will forward a copy of the resolution to Sens. Thomas Carper and Chris Coons, as well as Congressman-elect John Carney.

###

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL’S CONCERN THAT A PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE FEDERAL FUEL TAX WOULD BE HARMFUL TO THE CITIZENS OF SUSSEX COUNTY, DELAWARE, AND THE COUNTY’S OVERALL ECONOMIC HEALTH

WHEREAS, there is a proposal to increase by 25 cents the federal fuel tax, at a time when gasoline prices are nearing $3 a gallon; and

WHEREAS, a fuel tax increase of 25 cents a gallon would cost the average Sussex County household more than $700 annually; and

WHEREAS, a high number of Sussex County residents are already unemployed or unable to find full-time work, while the national unemployment rate is at the highest sustained rate since the Great Depression; and

WHEREAS, a gasoline tax is particularly burdensome to lower- and lower-middle income citizens in non-urban areas, where there are few public transportation options available; and

WHEREAS, the County’s agriculture industry is adversely affected by higher fuel prices in all aspects, from production to transportation of goods; and

WHEREAS, the County’s tourism industry relies heavily on regional visitors whose discretionary spending could be curtailed by a significant rise in fuel prices; and

WHEREAS, increases in fuel taxes are passed on to consumers, affecting the price of most goods and services, thereby affecting the overall health and stability of our economy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Sussex County Council hereby urges the Delaware Congressional Delegation to withdraw its support for any fuel tax increase; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Administrator shall send an official copy of this resolution, upon its adoption, to each member of the Delaware Congressional Delegation for their consideration.

New Poll Shows Mike Protack is Republican Favorite for County Council President

Founders Values is a well known Delaware educational group that focuses on the founding principles of our nation. They strive to educate the electorate and children on those founding principles and on the Constitution and related documents. They have been active for about 18 months and they have organized many events including a number of TEA Parties across the state. Their members have been an active force in the recent political landscape in Delaware and have even impacted legislation in the state and nationally.

In June of 2010, Founders Values administered a survey of likely Republican voters in the U.S. Senate primary between longtime Congressman Mike Castle and Conservative activist Christine O'Donnell. The poll found O'Donnell leading Castle by nearly a 3-1 margin. It was the first (and almost only) poll that found O'Donnell in the lead among likely voters until her upset victory on Sept. 14th. While laughed at initially by local media personalities, the poll proved to foreshadow the results of the Republican Primary.

The group obtained the names of the two front runners for the Republican nomination in the Special Election for New Castle County President. Delta airlines pilot Mike Protack, who ran for Governor in 2008 and former State Representative Tom Kovach are the names who have been mentioned as the leaders for the spot. Protack ran unsuccessfully in a Republican Primary in 2006 against eventual nominee Jan Ting who faced Tom Carper(Christine O'Donnell was also a write in candidate in that Primary Election). He then ran in the GOP Primary for Gov. in 2008 but left the race to run as the Independent candidate. Protack ran in 2010 for the 3rd County Council seat but faced a primary opponent in Janet Kilpatrick who was seen as Mike Castle's personal nominee to oppose Protack who was backed by the TEA Parties. Kovach ran in the 2008 special for the 6th district Representative seat in Brandywine Hundred. He narrowly defeated the Democrat (by just over 100 votes) in the race but lost this year to Debra Heffernan.

The telephone poll conducted on 11/12 & 11/13 and was a survey of more than 300 likely Republican voters in the New Castle County Council President special election. 60% of the respondents chose Protack where just 40% chose Kovach as their desired nominee. See the Founders Values Press Release for more information.

Founders Values Executive Director Jon Sherman said "We believe that these poll numbers represent the mood of the Republican electorate and we hope that the leaders of both parties will understand that this is an important process that should be left to the people to decide."

Mike Protack has been tied to the Patriot movement in recent years. He was an early supporter and helped to organize the Wilmington TEA Party events in 2009 and 2010 and earned the endorsement of the conservative group Common Sense Communities Society in the Republican Primary. He has a very good name recognition and being a card carrying union member helps him with with a voting bloc that does not often fair well for Republicans. He has been plagued by the notion that he is a perennial candidate for one office or another but even that stigma appears not to hurt him among members of his party when compared to Mr. Kovach.

Tom Kovach is a contrast to Protack as he is the hand picked candidate by Mike Castle. Castle is the long term Congressman who was ousted by Christine O'Donnell and the TEA Party groups in Delaware. Castle and Kovach all but endorsed Chris Coons and publicly were quite critical of O'Donnell and her "TEA Party supporters" despite the fact that those supporters contained a majority of the Republican Party voters. Kovach is rumored to be a supporter of the policies of Chris Coons including the Stoltz development of the Barley Mill Plaza location that citizens group CRG has been a staunch opponent to. This could pose problems for Kovach when it comes to raising money and garnering votes from the Greenville and Elsemere areas affected by the development. Many Republicans believe that Congressman Castle has waged his own personal war against the majority of party voters who ousted him in September and considers those who supported O'Donnell his enemies. He has built a coalition of current and former legislators and party officials and some see Mr. Kovach, a staunch supporter of Castle, as yet another example of Castle's personal war with the electorate.

Only time will tell who the Republicans support. What's a near certainty is that the Democrats will choose AFL-CIO Vice President Tim Sheldon. He will be backed by Paul Clark and Clark's wife Pam Scott who is an attorney with Stoltz in the Barley Mill case. Though Sheldon, the Democrat would be the party's first choice, it's not inconceivable that they could work out a deal with Castle to bring in the more moderate Kovach as Council President. If Protack or a more conservative candidate were to get the nod, it's likely that they would face off in a heated blitz with Sheldon. The date of the election has not yet been set but the Democrats are due to announce their choice this coming Friday.

Dear Ken Grant, we're tired of you too...

Tens of thousands of Republicans came out to the polls on September 14th in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds to cast a vote for Christine O'Donnell. It was the end of a BRUTAL U.S. Senate primary campaign that pitted career politician (40+ years in elected office) and the most liberal Republican in the House of Representatives against a virtual newcomer in conservative activist Christine O'Donnell. Mike Castle ran a total smear campaign against Christine O'Donnell. He did not debate her and would not comment on the issues of the day. He did not feel that he needed to explain any of the votes he had made, including his vote in favor of the controversial Cap and Trade legislation. In short, Congressman Castle had moved too far ideologically from his base, he's become inaccessible and carried a sense of entitlement and he refused to answer to the people. His only plan for the campaign was to find ways to destroy who Christine O'Donnell was. He and his allies within the Delaware GOP ran the aggressive smear campaign without regard to the facts in evidence. They claimed her house had been foreclosed upon when she had indeed sold it before it was foreclosed upon. They claimed she had owed back taxes when in fact, the IRS had on more than one occasion stated that the "lien" on record was an unfortunate "computer error". They also claimed that she had misused campaign funds in a previous Senate campaign despite the fact that the FEC had investigated these concerns in 2008 and found them lacking any evidence. Mike Castle even had his people create blogs dedicated to the total destruction of Christine's character. He even influenced talk radio hosts in the state to lash out at Ms. O'Donnell. Christine was clearly frustrated by the lack of attention paid to the issues and she lashed out at the media and at Castle supporters who played such dirty tactics. In the end, September 15th was the beginning of a difficult General Election campaign. The reason is because of those tens of thousands of Delaware voters who came out to vote for Christine and in some cases against Mike Castle.

Castle lost the election despite his all out smear campaign against Christine O'Donnell. I was a key contributor to the message that dethroned Congressman Castle. This blog was picked up on many national blogs and some of my posts were used as fuel for national conservative talk show hosts and bloggers. I don't mean to brag but I won't hide MY bonafides the way some like Mr. Grant do theirs. I was a consistent caller to WILM and WDEL and I spent as much time, if not more, writing, researching and talking about Castle, O'Donnell and the race between the two. Well after the primary I went silent. The reason I went silent is because the O'Donnell campaign brought me on to do messaging and opposition work in the General Election. I did not feel it was proper to actively write during the campaign I was working on.

The General Election campaign did not go as well as we had hoped. Christine made some mistakes that the media pounced on and Coons made some too although you probably haven't heard too much about those. This time there were debates and Coons should have swept the floor with her using conventional wisdom...he was after all a 2-time...2-time...national debate champion in college. He'd attended Yale Divinity and he's been County Council President and County Council Executive. The problem was that she held his feet to the fire in a nationally televised debate on CNN...and then again on a local radio debate on WDEL. In fact, she consistently, in debate after debate, out witted Coons and held her own or flat out beat him in the debates. Finally, after a debate on WHYY in which she once again showed that her stance on issues was one that Coons could not refute, he decided to pull out of all future debate and declared that the people of Delaware knew all they needed to know. From the beginning of the campaign, Coons and the DSCC had run a SLEW of negative ads about Christine. They called her a witch, labeled her a wacko and used the same false information that the GOP leadership had provided during the primary campaign to paint her as a criminal. Christine's campaign had benefited GREATLY from her victory over Castle. She'd brought in millions of dollars for the campaign through major conservative media outlets and grassroots connections. The people of Delaware complained that the money was from outside Delaware but they don't tell you that more than 60% of Mike Castle's money came from out of state or that a similar number of Chris Coons' contributions likewise came from out of state. The Democrat fundraising tool called ActBlue raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Coons. Plus, he had something Christine didn't have, a party supporting him locally and nationally.

You see, Christine had upset the balance of power for the elites in the party. The leadership here in Delaware was turned on its head. One member had said that Christine could not beat Castle without $2 million and made fun of Christine's stand on conservative principles. They also made it clear that neither Christine nor Glen Urquhart were welcome to run for Republican seats because they had "never done anything for the party". Another leader told the world stage that Christine could "Never be elected dogcatcher." These are not acceptable statements by so-called party leaders. Nationally, even after the election, Karl Rove, Charles Krauthammer and other Republican national level leaders continued to pander about the lies and rumors that the Castle campaign had failed to prove to the primary electorate. While Coons had the DSCC spending millions on ads to run their attacks against Christine...the NRSC was no where to be found. In fact, once Castle lost the RNC all but shut down the "Victory Offices" that the GOP traditionally pays for so that the party can support GOTV efforts and voter identification efforts on behalf of the winning candidates.

Delaware has a weird election schedule as the primary election is only 6 weeks before the general election. This leaves very little time for turn around. The state GOP did not hand over the keys to the Victory office to Christine's campaign for 2+ weeks. This left a little over 3 weeks for the O'Donnell people to staff the office and utilize the phones. Let's also remember that the people who did the calling for O'Donnell generally also called for other candidates across the state. They reached across the ideological aisle to party candidates. In fact, Christine held a GOP unity event at her campaign HQ and personally presented checks to every candidate who attended. Those who did not attend were mailed checks. Some returned the checks in protest. She wanted to help the down ballot candidates and she wanted the party to succeed. Once the Victory office came online (thanks largely to the hard work of people like Charlie Copeland who has always been a bridge builder) the party did begin to chip in where it felt it HAD to.

Today, Delaware's National Committeewoman Priscilla Rakestraw went live on the "Rick Jensen Show" along with Mr. Ken Grant (a squishy Castle supporter) who wrote a quite vicious op-ed today in the News Journal (Delaware's version of the NYT). Priscilla went on to "address the notion that the state party did not help Christine". She cited a few things.
1.) The State GOP provided her with 40% of the Brandywine GOP office for her campaign efforts which was "taken over" by the O'Donnell campaign. Reality check: The O'Donnell campaign sent 1 staff member to the Brandywine GOP (The Victory office that it took us 2+ weeks to get) and the handful of volunteers each day who went into the victory office made calls for Christine, Glen, Colin Bonini and Tom Wagner (even some local candidates) which last I checked was a shared effort.
2.) The state GOP spent $250,000 on mailings for Christine's campaign. Reality check: The campaign designed the mailings and provided them to the printer...in fact, the campaign provided volunteers to transport the materials to and from the post office and to bring back the overruns. The party might have paid for the postage...but I can't confirm that.
3.) That the RNC "Fire Pelosi" bus tour had to make a second stop in Dover to meet Christine on the campaign trail. Reality Check: The media darling of the east coast, a woman who brought more energy and excitement to the state GOP than it's had in years, a woman who infused the party and Delaware politics with more money and energy than possibly ever before, requested that the party which had so far let her fight on the front lines against the ENTIRE Democrat Party and state controlled media drive 50 miles south (on their way to MD) to meet her in Dover.

Priscilla Rakestraw, I'm calling you out, which calls did you make? What block did you walk? Why didn't you show up to the meet and greets that I know you were invited to at two quite influential homes? If you worked so hard for the candidates, how come the ONLY event I saw you at was the one where Chairman Steele was but Christine wasn't? Tom Ross came to the GOP Unity event, where were YOU?

Finally, to Mr. Ken Grant, who felt so inclined to pile on to Ms. O'Donnell, what is the success that YOU have brought to the Delaware GOP? I hope, as former Communications Director that you had nothing to do with the rather weak website, the missing (or hidden) Twitter account and the lack of any coherent message that the Delaware GOP has (or doesn't as it may be). Christine brought, if nothing else, character and excitement to an otherwise dismal failure known as the Delaware GOP since 2000. Was she the perfect candidate? No. But she was good enough to beat Mike Castle in the primary, which means that the PEOPLE of the party thought she was the better choice. Before you ostracize the 30,000+ voters who chose her over Mike in the primary, or the 120,000+ voters who voted for her in the general election, before you tell those of us who supported her and who rejected an elitist, leftist who thought he was entitled to the Senate seat and above answering to the people who elected him, I suggest you look at the direction the Delaware GOP was going in when we came on the scene. Ask yourself why we felt that we needed to get involved in the first place. You rip Christine for any number of violations of "The Delaware Way" and you chastise her for the same lies and distortions that have been proven over, and over, and over again to be false. The fact is that you sir, have consistently touted every leftist initiative that Delaware's ruling class has put out there. Despite the fact that Jack Markell and Alan Levin have yet to create a job to replace the 2 auto plants and the Valero plant shutdown...or the many layoffs at Bank of America, CITI and Discover. You haven't spoken out about the lack of manufacturing jobs, the failures of the state government to root out corruption or the fact that Wilmington is going to hell in a hand basket yet you pretend to have a clue. Every now and again you promote some business or another, admirable to some extent but your answer to fixing Wilmington for instance is to put a movie theater at the Riverfront. How does that help impact the 18% unemployment in Wilmington? How does it address the rampant drug and gang violence in the city? How does it help the buildings that are literally crumbling? Or do you just not care as long as your arts and entertainment scene is in "the good part of town"?

The fact is that it is YOU sir and those like you who have run the party into the ground and WE (meaning the Patriot movement that helped sweep Christine to victory in September) intend to rebuild, revitalize and restart the party. Now, the way I see it there are three things that people like you can do:
1.) Get the hell out of the way and let us take the lead for a while so we can rebuild.
2.) Get in there and work WITH us to build this party in a way that we all are able to support it and that will make it THE place to be for Delaware voters.
3.) Obstruct us and eventually completely discredit yourselves publicly.
4.) Leave the party.

I sincerely hope you choose option 1 or 2. I would like to see you all choose the second option. I want to work WITH the people who have been involved not against them. Are there changes that must be made, YES. Some people are going to be be asked to leave their current roles and some will probably need to be forced out. Some will leave (and are already) their roles voluntarily. Some people who can be great assets are going to choose to leave and that is unfortunate. No one will get everything they want but everyone will get something. The party will be better off in the end and the bottom line is that "The Delaware Way", which is nothing more than a way for the powerful to maintain power, has been shattered. The PEOPLE have spoken and they want a say. As they say in the Army, Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way.

Who is Chris Coons? - Marxism

Chris has graciously said that he would like to keep this campaign about the issues and not about smears and personal attacks. I appreciate that and I hope he continues that position. This campaign SHOULD be about the issues that Americans and Delawareans specifically, care about. It should be about how to get the economy back on track and growing, how to stop reckless spending, what role the government should have, the most effective way to stem the rising tide of healthcare costs, how to best manage our energy resources and what the tax policy ought to be. There are other important issues but these are what I hear about the most. All of these issues come down to a difference in ideology. On one side you have those who seek to continue spending, often recklessly, your tax dollars, increasing those taxes to spend more and increasing government control. On the other, you have those who understand the need for a limited government, emboldened AND restrained by the Constitution who will control spending and lighten our tax burden.

Now I said before, that Chris wants to keep this campaign about issues and I agree, it should be about issues and not a few sound bites from someone's past. We have all made mistakes...yes, even me...especially when we were young. However, there is something about Chris' past that concerns me, and many of you as well. Back in 1985, he wrote an article entitled "Chris Coons: The Making of a Bearded Marxist". When I saw this I was hoping for a satire or some sort of joke. But as J.E. Dyer from Hot Air's Green Room tells us, Coons was quite serious.

Upon returning from a trip to Kenya, Chris wrote:

“I became friends with a very wealthy [Kenyan] businessman and his family and heard them reiterate the same beliefs held by many Americans: the poor are poor because they are lazy, slovenly, uneducated,” wrote Coons. “I realize that Kenya and America are very different, but experiences like this warned me that my own favorite beliefs in the miracles of free enterprise and the boundless opportunities to be had in America were largely untrue.”

He also wrote:

“My friends now joke that something about Kenya, maybe the strange diet, or the tropical sun, changed my personality; Africa to them seems a catalytic converter that takes in clean-shaven, clear-thinking Americans and sends back bearded Marxists,”

However, it wasn't as if just the trip to Kenya aroused some deep part of Coons' questioning temporarily. Before Chris even left for Kenya, he was questioning America:

A course on cultural anthropology, noted Coons, had “undermined the accepted value of progress and the cultural superiority of the West,” while a class on the Vietnam War led him to “suspect…that the ideal of America as a ‘beacon of freedom and justice, providing hope for the world’ was not exactly based in reality.”

Although Chris does say that upon returning to Amherst for his senior year, he accepted that had "returned to loving America" despite discovering the nations faults, one must ask what faults he has determined America has. If Barack Obama, son of a Kenyan Marxist leader is any indication, our faults are many and great and the only pathway out is financial slavery and redistribution of wealth. There is reason to believe that Coons and Obama have much in common.


On September 16th, at a debate in Wilmington, Delaware, Coons reiterated his support for Obamacare as currently written and indicated that there is little going on in Washington that he would change. He also indicated his support for extending Miranda rights to terrorists. In fact, Coons sounded eerily like the "pet" that Harry Reid described him as. Coons did try to move to the center around fiscal issues but despite his polished debate skills (remember, he is a 2 time national debate champ) his record unfortunately doesn't bear out his claims. He made the obligatory reference to his TV Commercials which portray him as a fiscal conservative. Sadly, Chris has raised taxes three times ('05,'07 and '09), raided the county's reserve fund and increased water and sewer fees. He also references the corruption rampant during the Tom Gordon administration in his television commercial and suggests that he fought corruption. What Coons fails to mention is that the Democrat Gordon/Freeberry scandal took place while Coons himself was on county council. Additionally, what is not mentioned in Coons' commercials is that when Coons took office, the Gordon administration had left him with a balanced budget and a reserve surplus.

Currently, Chris Coons is presiding over his own scandal. County Council President Paul Clark is advocating for a project which he personally stands to gain from. His wife Pam Scott (liberals apparently love to keep a different name than their spouse so as to create doubt in issues like this) is a lawyer in the case. Clark has said he would recuse himself from any vote regarding the proposal but his involvement in lobbying for the case stinks. Coons has thus far not stepped in to suggest that Clark stop lobbying for the deal his wife stands to gain from. He's certainly no corruption hound.

Finally, Coons consistently calls on people to recognize that he was able to give County Council a AAA bond rating. There is truth in that statement but he doesn't tell you how Fitch Ratings gave New Castle County that rating. The fact is that Fitch only granted that bond rating to NCC because the County raided the reserve fund and decreased its value by more than 30% while Coons raised taxes 25%. The size of County government has grown every year under Coons and the budget has steadily increased. In 2009, Coons did make some cuts...he cut county employee pay by 5% and cut their benefits by 3% while the state cut worker pay even further. Meanwhile, county spending plans stayed in effect and other cuts were "avoided".