HB177 has failed! All Republicans voted either no or not voting. Sheepish Democrats followed the lead of tyrant Daniello. Poor babies.
Dave Burris is a god. ‘Nuff said.
Posted by Mike Matthews in General at 11:07 PM PDT
June 30th, 2007
Republicans save democracy!
SB 5 up for a vote
Her voice audibly shaken, Rep. Deborah Hudson brings her embryonic stem cell research bill up for a final reading and a roll call after three contentious years.
Roll call results in a minute…
Rep. Hudson was hoping for little debate since the debate’s occurred over the past three years. Unfortunately, they’re going there and a roll call doesn’t seem imminent. Long night? Could very well be.
SB 5 fails by a large margin.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 10:03 PM PDT
House honors
Wayne Smith is awarded a silver plate for his years as a representative.
Yawn.
Now back to lobbying!
As an aside, Helene in her hot-green dress is looking more ridiculous by the minute!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 9:13 PM PDT
BREAKING: Dems threaten to hold up bond and budget bills if no up or down vote on HB177
House Democrats really want HB177 to pass. So much so I’ve heard from multiple sources that they’re threatening to hold up a vote on the ‘’money bills'’ unless Rep. Bob Gilligan’s pet bill is given a vote in the House.
Please see Title 29, Chapter 10 (Legislative conflicts of interest) of the Delaware Code. This is another angle John Flaherty discovered this evening calling into question the legality of HB177.
UPDATE: Several Republicans are telling me they’re calling the Dems’ bluff. Imagine how scandalous that would be if the Dems held up the budget and bond bills for the piddling anti-fusion HB177!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 7:52 PM PDT
Where’s the Vivarin?
Real snoozefest down here. Between the holy-rollers around me and Helene Keeley’s fluorescent-green, flower-print dress down below, I don’t see this evening ending soon at all.
Celia’s here though!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 6:38 PM PDT
Oh no…
We’re being shown up by right-to-lifers. Where are you bitches? Get down here. Fun starts any minute now!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 6:00 PM PDT
June 29th, 2007
BREAKING: Tommie Little quits GOP; joins Independent Party
From Little’s email:
I will bet any takers out there….WE THE PEOPLE “the Independent Party of De.” will outpoll (beat)ANY Republican candidate for ANY STATEWIDEOFFICE on their 2008 general election ticket except Castle….and he will lose to a Democrat for the first time as a result of our STATEWIDE effort to organize the THIRD PARTYof Delaware……(any one up for some real old fashioned ass kickin politkin contact me.)
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 7:45 PM PDT
Nancy Willing called it and I’m joining in!
From Nancy Willing’s blog The Delaware Way:
Leg Hall Late Nite June 30th 6-12 p.m.
Delaware bloggers are united and committed to seeing this through:
The anti-fusion bill is bad law - Do Not Vote For HB 177
I’m keeping this on top until Sunday morning! I encourage anyone and everyone to come down. Chances are this bill won’t even see the light of day because of other pressing matters. However, in the very least, it’ll probably be a good time hob-knobbing with all the power brokers down there!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 4:34 PM PDT
On the collective bargaining bill and a failed coup
I waited for Dana on this one. I knew he’d do it right. So I hope he doesn’t mind my reposting it here. Of course, click over to his place to read more fascinating details from yesterday’s day at the political carnival:
Delaware Watch has learned that the coup leader for last night’s caucus room revolt was Bob Valihura, but he was supported by the four downstate Republican representatives I wrote about before. Valihura opposed the collective bargaining bill.
At one point during the caucus meeting, the House leadership was asked to leave the caucus room so the coup plotters could discuss a possible leadership change without the leaders present. Apparently, the attempted coup occurred spontaneously without the instigation of any prominent Republican Party leaders from the outside.
As one commentator observed, “a lot of blood was spilled on the floor of the Republican caucus room last night. Don’t expect an aggressive and controversial agenda on Saturday night,” the last night of the legislative session.
In the final analysis the coup was a foolish dream since the natural and logical response to a successful coup would be for the deposed leadership to change their party registration and become Democrats, giving control of the House to the Democrats. Rumors have circulated for months that some house Republicans might flip parties.
I commend Republican House Representatives Spence, Oberle, Lofink and Cathcart for going to mat for state employees last night given the great political cost they could have occurred. Undoubtedly, such heroism will not be forgotten.
In related news, rumor has it that Downstate Republican and popular blogger Dave Burris was responsible for the ultimately shot-down “Paycheck Protection Amendment” to the Collective Bargaining bill that was introduced by Rep. Danny Short. Any truth to this rumor, Dave?
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 4:28 PM PDT
The foot and the mouth join yet again!
Sen. Joe Biden must be one coked-out motherfucker if he seriously thinks his constituents in Delaware will back him up on the below claim made during a gathering of Democratic presidential candidates. As reported on CNN’s Political Ticker:
In response to a question about AIDS in the black community, Biden said, “I spent last summer going through the black sections of my town holding rallies in parks trying to get black men to understand it’s not unmanly to wear a condom. Getting women to understand they can say no. Getting people in the position where testing matters. I got tested for AIDS. I know Barack [Obama] got tested for AIDS. There’s no shame in being tested for AIDS.”
I didn’t know there were any “black sections” in Greenville. Can anyone confirm or deny this? Can Sen. Charlie Copeland confirm this for a minute while divorcing himself from the cold drink I’m sure he’s enjoying by the pool?
I’m with Dave Burris on this: Did this ACTUALLY happen?!?!? Or is Sen. Biden just smokin’ those nasty shrooms? Of course, this is from the man who’s been known to stretch truth from time to time to make a dramatic point.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 3:51 PM PDT
Caption this!
Is she working or is she texting from her Blackberry to the other fine ladies in the House Democratic Caucus? And is Gilligan, sitting next to her, wearing a piece? What do you think Queen Helene is doing?
Special thanks to John Collins from WDEL for the photo.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 1:27 PM PDT
Having had his ego thoroughly stroked, the good man kindly takes his leave
Shout out to all the peeps in the Capitol who check this page regularly. Especially the high-school interns who seriously look like they’d rather be somewhere other than serving Sen. Thurman Adams or fetching State Reps. coffee at 10 at night.
From what I hear, there was an attempted coup by some in the House Republicans during last night’s late House GOP caucus. Apparently, some of the haughtier GOP folk with less blue-collar constituents balked at the thought of the collective bargaining bill passing. I’ve heard some names floating around, but it seems Dana’s got it right. Blue-collar Republican Rep. Terry Spence again flexes his muscle and shows those lightweights in his caucus why he’s held the shit down for two decades.
Anyhow, here’s something a bit nicer. Audio of my appearance on WDEL yesterday with fellow bloggers Dana Garrett and Nancy Willing. John Daniello still isn’t talking to me, although his daughter Betsy seems to be quite taken by my oversized ego.
PS…HB177 (anti-fusion) still hasn’t come up. More on that later.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 11:03 AM PDT
June 28th, 2007
Republicans fit to be tied!
Republicans have been in caucus for more than two hours. Sources have confirmed there’s some major rumbling going on about the collective bargaining bill.
The fur is flying tonight!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 10:49 PM PDT
Angry enough to run
Dana Garrett will definitely be joining the Working Family Party and is seriously considering running against his representative, Bob Gilligan.
Because of Rep. Gilligan’s behavior towards people who dare speak out against HB177, Dana has said he may even do the unthinkable: briefly register as a Democrat and primary Gilligan next year.
That’s how angry Dana is about the possibility that HB177 could pass.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 9:14 PM PDT
EXCLUSIVE: Helene Keeley loves Mike Matthews
Though she may be an explicit enemy of democratic practices, I can confirm that Rep. Keeley is deep in love with me.
Even though I’ve threatened to run against her if the anti-fusion bill passes.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 8:39 PM PDT
Wake up, bitches!
Uh-oh. It’s gonna be a long night. The interns just entered the room with about half-a-dozen cups of Wawa coffee. Just like a politician; leave the actual work to the ‘’help.'’
As an aside, the initiation of freshman Rep. Nick Manolakos has been quite interesting. And a ridiculous waste of time.
Wake up, bitches!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 8:23 PM PDT
Hot!
Just witnessed some kind of spat between Reps. Melanie George Marshall and Deborah Hudson. One of Hudson’s bills was getting the roll call and Marshall walked away briskly while speaking to Hudson. As she was called to vote, Marshall abruptly and quite sternly said ‘’not voting'’ before throwing down a pack of papers on the table.
Rep. Hudson came over to do damage control. Too hot! I’m trying to get the dirt!
Update: Things seem OK now. Looks like they’re girlfriends again!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 6:31 PM PDT
Budget woes overtake the people’s House?
There are as many rumors as there are people rallied inside the foyer of the State Capitol. The latest is that the vote on the budget looks to be a tie in the Senate.
Question: Who will break the tie in this case? Will they wheel in everyone’s favorite bed-ridden Sen. Jim Vaughn? Or will everyone’s pretty Lieutenant Governor cast the tie-breaking vote?
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 4:45 PM PDT
John Daniello digs his grave
If this doesn’t do in Democratic Chairman John Daniello, then nothing will. I hope WDEL podcasts the Rick and Gerry show today because I thought me, Dana Garrett, and Nancy Willing did quite well. So well I didn’t even realize when the clock struck 3.
Yes, John Daniello is off the fucking reservation in his claim he’ll try and get someone to introduce a bill to require bloggers to register as lobbyists!
Homeboy is out of control.
Update: Sorry for the lack of cohesion, Jason Typing on my four-thousand-dollar phone isn’t the most convenient option for making sense.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 3:10 PM PDT
Lt. Gov. Carney makes his move
Lt. Gov. John Carney wants you to know he plans on obliterating State Treasurer Jack Markell in the knock-down, drag-out primary to be held next September.
How do I know this? Carney obviously has the union vote wrapped up as he just made a strategic move to join members from the Local 199 for lunch.
Picture coming soon.
Posted by Mike Matthews in General at 2:01 PM PDT
Fatass takes to the airwaves
Rick Jensen has promised me some time today. I’ll be going on around 2 pm with the terrible twosome on WDEL. Listen in if you would like to hear my incoherent rambling.
Better yet, come on down to Leg. Hall. This place is rockin’ at the end of session when all these befuddled legislators have no clue what to do with themselves.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 10:34 AM PDT
Goofy Gilligan goes gaga on floor of the House
So flustered was he that the Bill was pushed another day! This is now the second time the Bill has been moved and the only theory I have is that supporters don’t want dissenters to voice their opinions against it.
Let’s recap where Rep. Gilligan stands on this. Here’s some audio. Listen to them both. First one first, of course! Second one is provided courtesy of the always-wonderful WDEL.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 10:30 AM PDT
June 27th, 2007
Hot or hot mess?
Hot:
Rep. Diana McWilliams looks fetching in a conservative blouse and jacket that is uniquely accented with some black mesh stockings.
Rep. Melanie George Marshall plays it safe in a gorgeous Red Riding Hood one-piece. Class is the message she’s sending and she’s ready to end this session by making a statement!
Rep. Deborah Hudson looks wonderful for a glowing 35 year old. Wearing a sea green business suit, the good Representative is letting her hair down and she’s looking fine!
Hot mess
Rep. Hazel Plant looks like she should be delivering Valentine’s Day candygrams in a flashy and toothache-inducing pink business suit with white blouse.
Rep. Nancy Wagner doesn’t know what a jacket is! And that’s all I’ve got to say!
Is that a two-tone beige blouse and skirt combo on Rep. Pam Maier? Gorgeous usually has it together, but this doesn’t work at all.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 8:45 PM PDT
Love at first bite
Representatives had a gourmet buffet dinner tonight. Unfortunately, someone forgot to inform the House staff. House Speaker Terry Spence announed Pat’s Pizza would be delivering a somewhat toned down feast of 20 pizzas for the staff.
And what do you know? Those greedy legislators went and did some double dipping! First a gourmet catered feast and then some bourgeousie pizza from the worker bees in the House!
I should take names of these double-dipping legislators! Shockingly, I don’t see Nancy Wagner partaking. I always thought that was her thing!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 8:19 PM PDT
On being (potentially) silenced
This is no longer fun. No more jokes. The people we elect to represent us can not be trusted or relied on in anyway to provide accountability or democracy to the political process in Dover. I may name names. Later for that.
Just know that the shit is just starting.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 7:32 PM PDT
Why we fight HB 177
UPDATE: THEY JUST KEEP STALLING THIS SHIT. HB 177 TO ALLEGEDLY BE BROUGHT FORTH FOR A VOTE TOMORROW. THERE’S QUITE A CROWD HERE FOR THIS. SOMETHING TELLS ME THEY DON’T WANT THIS THING BROUGHT UP FOR DISCUSSION. OR A VOTE FROM WHAT I’M HEARING. SOME OF THEM SEEM DOWNRIGHT FREAKED OUT ABOUT IT. REP. GILLIGAN IS DOWNRIGHT TESTY AND CAN’T WAIT TO GET IT PASSED. SORRY FOR CAPS. I’M TYPING FROM MY PHONE.
Dana’s analysis is priceless, as usual. I’m headed to Dover today and I hope my representative will allow me personal privilege to address the floor of the House.
This must be stopped.
Update: I’m here on the floor of the House. I’m told there’s a chance I’ll be allowed personal privilege. I’m not religious, but pray for me, miscreants!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 7:21 AM PDT
June 26th, 2007
Vice President of Common Cause Resigns
This just crossed through my email, from Vice President of Common Cause John Tobin:
Dear Gemma,
It was good to talk with you this evening and our conversation helped me clarify my thoughts about Common Cause of Delaware and my future involvement with Common Cause of Delaware.
I joined the Steering Committee of Common Cause of Delaware in the Spring of 2002 and became vice-president of the Common Cause of Delaware Steering Committee in 2004. While I realized we were an affiliate of National Common Cause I always viewed Common Cause as an alliance of semi-autonomous chapters, rather than what appears to be a strong central organization whose affiliates are less free than I realized . While this may be within the by-laws of Common Cause, I prefer more local autonomy in my volunteer civic activism.
The saying goes “lead, follow or get out of the way”. I am getting out of the way.
I hereby resign as vice-president of Common Cause of Delaware, effective June 30, 2007.
Since we agree on more issues than we disagree , I look forward to working with you on specific issues in the future.
Best wishes, John
PS I will mail you a signed hard copy.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 11:22 PM PDT
Sen. John Still again gets fat off of his bread and butter
House Reps. Ewing, Hocker, Lee, and Thornburg are on this bill which has its roots in pure bigotry and fear. Anyone tired of me using the words “bigot” or “bigotry” to fully illustrate this issue? Well, take a fucking number because Dave Burris is another RAMM who’s tired of my hyperbole.
One would think as much hating as Sen. Still does on gays and lesbians he’d rather go find a cushy job working with a conservative non-profit or the fine folks at the Westboro Baptist Church. But no. His infected tentacles continue to work their wicked ways on the citizens of Delaware via bills like this. Of course, this vote hasn’t a chence in hell to pass either the House or Senate. So, why worry? Well, I just like fucking with the good Senator from Dover. Showing off my poor Photoshop skills is one way to do this.
Blow that shit up — and quick! This picture’s a keeper!
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 8:43 PM PDT
The Young Democrats’ Movement: The Lil’ Liberals are about to kick some ass
Update: I hope to make it a busy day here at DWA. So, because I made the young folk at the Young Democrats’ Movement wait so long for this underwhelming piece, I’ll be keeping them on top all day. For updates, scroll below this post!
It’s hard to find young folk these days willing to pry themselves from the latest Britney Spears or Paris Hilton gossip fiascoes. Likewise, it often seems hard to pry their adult counterparts away from said scandals. Lurking below the radar, though, are plenty of activist groups featuring young adults from both sides of the aisle looking to through down and get across their points to a wider audience for mass consumption. But now Delaware has an activist group expressly dedicated to advancing the interests of the under 21 crowd. The Young Democrats’ Movement was founded by three area high school students: Helen Boyer, Tim McBride, and Read Scott. Their goal? To get as many area students not just interested in politics, but their brand of left-leaning politics.
At right: State Treasurer Jack Markell and YDM co-president Tim McBride.
At a kick-off party on May 19 at the deliciously swank Greenville abode of Read Scott (oddly, RIGHT across the street from the architects of conservatism, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute), a crowd of dozens filled the living room to hear speeches from New Castle County Council President Paul Clark, County Executive Chris Coons, Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn, and man of the hour/day/week/month/year State Treasurer Jack Markell. However, this event was different. The minds of attendees weren’t overworked by overwrought, overdone, and underwhelming speeches. The speakers spoke. Minimally. As it should have been. Because this wasn’t about them. It was about the young group of individuals coming forth to proclaim their stake in an arena in which many of them aren’t even legally able to voice their opinion through a vote.
The conversations were torrid and the guests even more so. Tommywonk and Nancy Willing were there. The always lovely Dana Rohrbough from Jack Markell’s campaign provided a familiar face among the 50-or-so high school-aged students. One-half of Delaware’s Powergay Couple, Corey Marshall-Steele, was there as well. Needless to say, though I didn’t know any of the top 40 hits emanating from the living room post-speeches, my mind was engaged by the conversation and my taste buds were tantalized by the wonderful spread. The crab dip? Mmmm. The potato salad? Divine. And cookie tray? A fat-man’s paradise.
At left: The magnificent spread is nearly no more! Mmmm.
Read Scott and the others who hosted this party knew how to throw down. One can’t judge merely on political histrionics. One can be judged better based on how one feeds another! And the Young Democrats were hot that night!
But it’s a hard time being a Democrat in Delaware. Not in the sense that Dems are doing a bang-up job of continuing to paint the state blue, but in the sense that many view their leadership in the Legislature as relics from a bygone era simply unwilling to join the 21st Century. What do the Young Democrats have to say about that and other topics? Check the Q&A below!
Special shout out to the YDM for allowing me to crib their photos without even asking for permission. The photo of the delicacies above, though, was mine!
At right: Your interviewees (from left): Co-Presidents Tim McBride and Helen Boyer and Vice President Read Scott.
1. As a political organization, what are your main focal points and what do you hope to achieve? Is there any legislation — locally or nationally — that has your group’s members particularly impassioned or intrigued?
Tim McBride (co-president) – Well the organization’s goals are really three fold. The first is to increase political participation among young people. The second is to make sure that we have an informed group of young voters, and finally, to help bread the next generation, not only of voters, but also of leaders in this state. One of the legislative goals of the organization is to get referendum reform through the General Assembly, as I said at my speech at our kick-off event, “it seems unfair that public schools are the only entity in the state that have to get voters to approve more funding.” But I don’t believe that we are going to get the referendum system totally eliminated, I think that we can, at least, update the “schedule of reassessment,” which is currently set at 1983 inflationary levels, so that schools don’t have to have referenda for things like textbooks, teachers salaries, and after-school activities; if we can’t keep up with inflationary costs to get those necessities, why do we have a public school system?
Read Scott (Vice President) – Healthcare is another issue that gets young people passionate. With about 45 million Americans uninsured, this is a national crisis. Children make a large portion of those uninsured, and we can look at programs like CHIP and, hopefully, learn from them.
Tim McBride (co-President) - Equal rights are something that young people and the membership of the YDM overwhelmingly favor. SB 141 is something that needs to get out of committee and voted on by the full house. Frankly, the YDM isn’t happy that the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, is the body that over the last few years is the one that has held it up, even when the House has passed it and Gov. Minner has said she wants to sign it.
2. In a state trending more and more Democrat, do you believe there can be “too much of a good thing?” The good thing, of course, from your point of view, as this unbiased journalist has no stake in the game.
Helen Boyer (co-president) – With the Republican control of the Federal government during the first six years of the Bush Administration, we can see that one party control over the entire government is a bad thing. But in terms of Delaware, I don’t believe it is a problem, first we still have competitive races and a Republican Congressional seat and a Republican State House, but even if the Democrats were to control both houses of the General Assembly and the Congressional seat, in addition to offices we hold now, I don’t think we would have a problem. Democrats have shown, with a few exceptions, that we can maintain ethical, legal, and responsible leadership even if we control all three branches. We truly are the “party of the people.”
3. Term limits seem to be the cause celebre of many a political activist these days. Seeing how many of our State legislators have served well over a decade, do you believe the term-limit debate should be seriously considered or do you believe the public should be allowed to freely send whomever they choose for however long they deem prudent?
Read Scott (Vice President) – I think that term limits limit democracy. If an elected official is doing a satisfactory job, and the voters deem it necessary and appropriate to send them back to that office, then yes, I believe they should have the ability to. With executive positions, i.e. Mayor, Governor and President, I do believe that there should be term limits considering the massive amount of power and political influence they hold. In the case of Bill Clinton, I would agree to the term limit of “however many he wants!”
4. The governor’s race is going to be the biggest shitstorm since Ruth Ann’s last colonoscopy. Do the Young Democrats’ Movement currently have a stake in the game or will the organization be playing the game side-by-side with the state Democrat Party?
Tim McBride (co-President) – It is extremely important to the YDM that we have a say in the political process and, of course, much of that will be consumed by the\ Governor’s race. The YDM plans on actively participating in the Democratic primary and will eventually endorse a candidate after appearances by both major Democratic candidates. It is important that Delaware elect the best Governor; Jack Markell has been an innovative public servant for the last eight years, while John Carney has been a very good Lt. Governor over the last 6 years and a very faithful member of the Minner Administration.
5. Somewhat related: Does the Young Democrats’ Movement maintain an autonomous spirit or are you bound to the state party in any way?
Tim McBride (co-presidents) – We all have our “personal endorsements” in the race for Governor, but the Young Democrats Movement is currently neutral in the Democratic Primary for Governor. But after we have had appearances by both the major Democratic candidates and a candidate questionnaire filled out by their respective campaigns, we will have a vote by the entire organization as to whom we should endorse for the nomination. After that process, we will be giving the endorsed candidate our full support in terms of volunteers and money. It is also worth noting that there are several other important races that face primaries, such as the Lt. Governor’s race between Matt Denn and Ted Blunt. In those races we will do the same process.
6. The word “progressive” is used quite liberally among those in Democratic circles. Were a “progressive” candidate among Republicans to arise on the Delaware political scene, would an organization like the Young Democrats’ Movement seriously consider supporting him or her?
Read Scott (Vice President) – Lets be realistic, we are a Democratic organization, and if a progressive candidate were to arise with in the Republican Party, our Organization would have serious questions about that person’s judgement; why would a liberal subscribe to the political platform of the party.
7. Take a poll on this question:
For the guys: Who is the hottest female state legislator?
For the girls: Who is the sexiest male state legislator?
For the gays/lesbians: You’d better play along, too!
Read Scott (Vice President) – Our group couldn’t come together on who was the most attractive State Legislator, as there are so many. But we overwhelmingly voted Speaker Pelosi as the most attractive national legislator. Our Executive Committee overwhelmingly voted that “WE LOVE NAN!”
8. Delaware is a uniquely fascinating state when it comes to politics. We have the luxury of being able to know the people who represent us very well. We also have the luxury of being able to know those who DON’T represent us very well. If this is true, why is it so damn hard to get a hold of Gov. Sits-on-her-ass?
Helen Boyer (co-President) – It is absolutely true that Delaware is extremely unique when it comes to politics. Because of this unique situation, the YDM has had amazing support from our elected officials and party leader