Eric Bodenweiser of Georgetown, who ran an unsuccessful primary campaign to unseat 19th District Sen. Joe Booth, is acting like be wants to get back in the saddle.
He had a taste of politics losing by just 105 votes; his appetite has been whetted.
On at least two different occasions I've heard the conservative Republican say he was considering a run for the county Clerk of the Peace Office. Current clerk George Parish is stepping down this year, and says he would run for the District 4 Sussex County Council seat if veteran George Cole steps down in 2014.
At the 9-12 Delaware Patriots meeting on April 5 Bodenweiser stood up and announced he was a candidate, but said he wasn't sure for what office. That might be a first in the history of Delaware politics. He has signs posted in Georgetown and he's set up a campaign headquarters.
Bodenweiser confirmed April 10 that he will probably drop his plans to run for Clerk of the Peace. “County council ruined it for me,” he said. “If I don't do the job the way they want they might put in legislation to change the rules.”
Bodenweiser is making reference to a bill pending in the General Assembly – and endorsed by county council – that would prohibit the county sheriff from making arrests. He is opposed to the bill and has appeared at two council meetings urging officials to rescind their support.
Three Sussex County Council seats are up in 2012. Joan Deaver, D-Rehoboth Beach, will face off against Don Ayotte, a Georgetown Republican. Council President Mike Vincent, R-Seaford, and Vice President Sam Wilson, R-Georgetown, have not made an announcement, but I would be shocked if they didn't run for a second term. It's early and who knows what will shake loose from the political tree.
Politics is topsy-turvey in Sussex during this election cycle. In the General Assembly, there will be at least four new faces from Sussex County. Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach, and Rep. Biff Lee, R-Laurel, are retiring, and thanks to redistricting, eastern Sussex voters will have to elect a representative and senator in two new districts. Senate District 6 includes Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Henlopen Acres, Lewes and Milton and Representative District 20 includes Lewes, Milton and Harbeson.
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Ron MacArthur has lived and worked in Sussex County all his life. As a journalist for nearly 50 years, he has covered everything from county and town meetings to presidential visits. He also has a unique perspective having served as an elected official and lived on both sides of the county.
Contact Ron at ronm@capegazette.com
