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A 60-second radio spot featuring Lt. Gov. John Carney touting his role in bringing a wind farm to Delaware has caused many Democrats to question what the Democratic Party should be doing with its money.
Democratic candidates for governor Carney and State Treasurer Jack Markell are each calling for the other to return campaign funds; both accuse the other of improper spending.
On Friday, July 25, some Democrats called on Carney to return money spent by the Delaware Democratic Party on a Carney commercial.
In response, Carney’s campaign said Markell should return nearly $900,000 – money collected for the state treasurer campaign – used instead for Markell’s run for governor.
“Anytime we’re using Democratic money that was designed to beat Republicans, and instead, it’s being used for one Democrat against the other, that’s not a good thing. This money is to be used against Republicans,” said Markell. “That’s why so many Democrats are upset or even outraged across the state,” he said.
On June 16, Carney was endorsed by the state Democratic executive committee, but Kent and Sussex county chairs abstained from the vote, said Joe Sheeran, communications director for the state Democratic Party.
“I’m incredibly honored to have the state endorsement of the state Democratic Party,” said Carney. He also said he has the support of the majority of elected officials in the state. Carney said it’s up to state party officials to choose how they spend their money.
Neither side is calling the matter criminal, but Republicans say Democratic infighting puts the Republicans at a tactical advantage. In addition, a few Democrats have shifted their support in response to the dispute.
Former Superior Court Judge Bill Lee, Republican candidate for governor, said, “I think it’s one of the first shots of a battle where candidates try to distinguish themselves. Anything that defines the surviving candidate will be a benefit to me. Whoever wins will be defined by the primary, as campaigns take positions they would not otherwise.”
Democratic Party Chairman John Daniello defended spending money for the radio advertisement.
“Research and development of alternative energy sources is a key Democratic issue…we felt it was important to let concerned Democrats know the instrumental role Lt. Gov. John Carney played in making Bluewater Wind a reality,” Daniello said in a released statement.
“The fact of the matter is money is always used for the endorsed candidate. It’s the way the game is played. The problem is, I believe that Kent and Sussex have not endorsed yet and the money has been spent statewide,” said Lee.
The criticism has also shifted support among some Democrats.
Sen. Karen Peterson, D-Stanton, said the Democratic Party used its money for Carney – a move she said, for her, was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “There were a lot of people who made that happen,” she said. She said it took more than Carney to help bring a wind farm to the state.
Carney said, “I am disappointed. I have the vast majority of elected officials who have endorsed my campaign.”
Markell said Peterson’s change of heart is indicative of some who want a fresh Democratic change – one he said he represents.
“I’m thrilled to have the support of Sen. Peterson. The reason she’s changing is she thinks there needs to be more differentiation in the current administration,” he said.
Peterson said she does not think Republicans have an advantage over Democrats.
“I think a Democrat is going to win either way. It would have to get really ugly before one would lose,” she said. “I think the party was wrong. I don’t think Democrats should be fighting Democrats.”
Carney said candidates should spend more time on the issues instead of campaign spending.
“Months ago, Sen. Carper laid down what he called the Carper rule of not running a negative campaign which could hurt the party and hurt our chances. I think we need to keep that in mind,” said Carney.
Dave Burris, former Sussex County Republican chairman, said, “It exposes a division that’s already there between the party structure, unions and Democratic Party. Certainly, it’s advantageous to Republicans when Democrats are at each others’ throats.”
Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach, said the Democratic rift is unfortunate. “I think it’s disappointing. Here you have two good people and I would hope they would work it out. I don’t see it gives an advantage to anyone,” Bunting said.
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