Delaware, what's the deal with Mike Castle?

[Hippo_Tron]

Earlier this year I was concerned that we weren't really targeting him because he's a Republican in a very blue state. Now that we have up to 60 competative seats I'm less concerned but still curious. How is this guy still safe as a Repuke?

[LynneSin]

1. One of the more moderate republicans and just really well loved in the state

He was once a two-term governor of Delaware while Tom Carper was the sole US Representative. When Castle's term limit came up the two switched jobs (Carper is a dem and now our senator). I've met the guy - he's like your beloved Grandfather, plus I swear the fact that our most populated county in the state is New Castle and he's Mike Castle that for some reason people think that's cool.

I live in Delaware and as much as I'd like to see a democrat in that seat, I'm not finding it as critical to replace him as it is getting rid of some of the republicans in Pennsylvania, which is why I drive up there each weekend to help campaign (PA06 and 07).

BTW, Castle was the author of the Stem Cell research bill that was veto'd by Bush. He's also pro-choice and pro-environment and I think he is someone we could eventually get on our side to end this war. He's an old-school republican back when republicans were actually somewhat respectable and conservative not because of social issues but in spending our tax dollars. I won't vote for Castle but because he's not some viral, rampant repuke nut job, I'll keep driving to PA and help make a difference there

[jberryhill]

2. He's highly regarded

Delaware had a string of competent governors until recently, and pretty much without regard to party affiliation. Mike Castle was one of them, and is not a rabid partisan. Pete DuPont (Pierre Samuel duPont IV), Mike Castle, and Tom Carper played a game of musical chairs among Delaware offices, without ever directly challenging one another.

We are one of the few states that has more Senators than Representatives, and while I realize that committee composition matters, we are but one out of 435 in the House.

Mike Castle is unbeatable, although having recently suffered a minor stroke it is not clear whether he will run again in two years. Not having done anything outrageous, it is unlikely that Delawareans would vote him out.

The only "interesting" races in DE are a few local ones and the state AG race. Nobody ever made a peep when DuPont was representative, governor, and family member of the state's largest employer, but supposedly we are to dread "dynastic" politics merely because Joe Biden's son (D - MBNA) is running for a statewide office.

[hfojvt]

3. until recently

meaning that there is no chance that your current Governor could challenge Castle?

It's too bad that Delawareans don't think that supporting Bush for six years is not outrageous enough. Or has he crossed party lines?

[LynneSin]

4. Ruth Ann Minner

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Thank goodness for term limits because I don't think she could win another election. She's not very popular

[hfojvt]

5. this is what I get for visiting the Delaware forum

people laughing at the ignorant midwest hick :cry: :o

[LynneSin]

6. It's ok

She's just ready for retirement. I think she did a good job but alot of people just don't like her including democrats. She'll remind you a little bit of Marge Schott except without the racist comments or Nazi paraphernalia