Kaufman isn't running either

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Politico

Interim Sen. Ted Kauffman (D-Del.) says he won't run for the Senate -- even after Beau Biden's bombshell announcement that he's ducking out.

Kaufman's statement:

"Serving the people of Delaware in the U.S. Senate is as fulfilling, challenging, and humbling as I imagined when I was appointed. But as I said at the time, I will not seek election for the balance of the term. I will continue to spend my time as Senator serving the people of Delaware and our nation and not running for office. It is a commitment I made when appointed, and one I will fulfill."


Read more: http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0110/Kaufman_isnt_running_either.html

[LynneSin]

1. We pretty much gave that seat to Mike Castle, a republican

The only brightside is this - the guy isn't a vile republican but a much more moderate one. (he is pro-choice and pro-environment). And the guy is 70 years old and health is a bit declining.

I think Biden Jr. was smart to wait this one out especially with this Bradley case unfolding here in the state. We've got a massive investigation into this pediatric doctor who may have been molesting/raping over 100 kids in the last decade. Bringing this guy to justice will really boost the younger Biden's electability but if he ran how with this case hanging over his head, he'll look like he was just using AG as a stepping stone into bigger offices.

There is only one democrat that could give Castle a run for his money (other than Biden Jr.) and that would be former Lt. Governor John Carney. But Carney is running for Castle's old house seat. So even though we are losing a senate seat we would be gaining a house seat. There are no other statewide electable republicans outside of Castle.

[Jennicut]

2. Yeah, I read the Beau is really busy with that case.

Kaufman is older himself.
I think Castle will win. But would he stick around for another term?

[LynneSin]

3. He's been having health issues. I think Castle just wants to finish off his career...

with the one office he never stood a chance of getting for 20 years.

There was some unwritten rule between Carper/Biden Sr/Castle that they would never run for the other person's office nor would they campaign against them. For 20 years, we have had no one run against Mike Castle that posed any threat to Castle's office. And you would never see Carper or Biden come out and endorse the democrat running against Castle. And Castle would not do the same for any of the lame republicans that have run against Carper/Biden Sr.

Since Biden is gone, the pact is pretty much done. Castle is very popular with both parties here in Delaware. I think they're pretty much going to give him the senate seat for one last 'hooray' and then the guy will probably retire in 2016. I hate having a republican senator again but at least I'm not getting a 'Rick Santorum wannabe'. And we get a democrat in the house seat which means by 2016 Delaware could be solidly blue again.

[Jennicut]

4. Yeah, sounds like he is good for one term.

Maybe then Beau would want to run in 2016.