Bodenweiser suspends campaign for SD 19

Georgetown resident Eric Bodenweiser notified Republican leaders Oct. 12 he has suspended his campaign for Senate District 19.

Sussex County GOP Spokesman Duke Brooks said Bodenweiser sent an email to Chairman Jerry Woods announcing he would suspend his campaign.  "He said for personal reasons," Brooks said.

Brooks said the Sussex County Republican Committee plans to issue a statement Tuesday, Oct. 16. The deadline to file as a candidate with Delaware Department of Elections has closed, so no new names can be placed on the ballot.

Bodenweiser has not returned calls or email for comment on the suspension of his campaign.  He has been absent from recent events to advance his campaign, including Wings and Wheels, held in Georgetown Oct. 6 and the American Legion Post 28 candidates forum, Oct. 9 – both major campaign events held in Senate District 19.

Bodenweiser's brother, Paul Bodenweiser, issued some disparaging remarks about Bodenweiser, Oct. 13, on his website, bodenweiser.com.

"Write in Pettyjohn.  Vote for Hovington, but if you vote for my brother it seems to me you will most likely regret it," Paul Bodenweiser wrote.

In the post, Paul Bodenweiser said he spoke with Detective King about his brother and gives the phone number to State Police Troop 4 in Georgetown.

In an email, Delaware State Police Sgt. Paul Shavack said, "As with any investigation that the State Police may or may not be conducting, I can neither confirm nor deny any criminal investigation that may be ongoing as to not compromise the integrity of  any interviews or investigative measures utilized to thoroughly and comprehensively investigate any crime."

Bodenweiser unseated incumbent Sen. Joe Booth, R-Georgetown, in the Sept. 11 primary election. Former Georgetown Mayor Brian Pettyjohn filed as a write-in candidate Oct. 1.  Neither Booth nor Pettyjohn could be reached at press time.

Democrat Jane Hovington is also running to represent voters in SD 19; she could not be reached at press time.