The growing list of names for a potential House race, however, does not include two popular Cape Region leaders who have recently bowed out of consideration.

Lewes Mayor Jim Ford, a registered Independent, and former Democratic Rep. John Schroeder of Lewes both cite personal reasons for withdrawing from consideration.

“There are a lot of factors. First of all, there might not even be an election. If there is, it’s going to happen very fast. The timing is just not right for me right now in my personal life,” said Ford, who also said seeking higher political office is not out of the question.

“The door’s always open down the road if something else comes up,” he said.

Schroeder, who held the 37th District seat from 1988 to 2002, said, “I contacted many people and, after discussing it with my family and friends, this just isn’t the best time for me to get back into politics. This was all personal.”

If Booth wins in the 19th Senatorial District, an election must be held within 41 days after he resigns from the House seat. Booth is running against Democrat Polly Adams Mervine, Libertarian Wendy Jones and Independent Matthew Opaliski in the Senate race.

Interest remains high for both Democrats and Republicans vying to take over the House seat in a possible second special election that could be held as early as Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Tim Willard, acting chairman of the 37th District Democrats, said he is focusing on getting Mervine elected to the Senate. He would not speculate about Democratic contenders in a House race. Nor would Sussex County Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Ewing. She did say many Democrats, in general, are showing an interest. “I really hate to even think about that. It would require a whole other election. You’re talking about the whole summer,” she said. “I’ve heard there are some interested parties but no one has approached me yet, but I understand quite a few people are interested,” said Ewing.

Democrats line up

Among Democrats considering a run for the House seat are former Georgetown Mayor Mike Wyatt and Robert Robinson, an attorney in the Office of the Public Defender. Last week, Frank Shade, former president of Punkin Chunkin, announced he is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 37th District race.

Wyatt, 55, served on Georgetown Town Council for seven years – four of them as mayor. In May 2008, Wyatt lost the mayoral race to Edwin Lambden, by 71 votes out of nearly 700 votes cast.

Wyatt said he enjoys serving people, and since he was born and raised in Lewes, he’s been aware of local issues. “I think I have a good idea of what people are looking for, or what they want their towns to look like,” said Wyatt. “I think I can help constituents in a state representative position.” Wyatt was also an active member of the Pilot’s Association for 35 years. He’s also a member of the Sussex County Association of Towns. Wyatt and his wife Terri of 30 years have three children, Staci, 28; Wayne, 26; and Eric, 24.

He said he looks forward to a furious Senate race followed by a quick House race. “In my opinion, the more qualified people you have, the better chances Democrats have of winning the seat. It will be an interesting Senate election between Joe and Polly. I think it’s going to be close. Greenwood can make or break you. Greenwood and Bridgeville are strong over there. They carry lots of votes over there,” said Wyatt. “The good thing about Sussex County is it’s still small; you can distinguish politics from friendship. On Aug. 3, I think people will be sitting on pins and needles,” said Wyatt.

Robinson, 36, lives in Georgetown and was an attorney in a private practice prior to becoming a public defender. He is chairman of the Georgetown Planning Commission, where he has served for the past eight years. “I’ve been following local issues for a while and I’ve been impressed by the way local legislators get things done in Dover. They’re doing a great job. I’d like to participate in that,” he said. Robinson lives with his wife of eight years, Alix, and the couple’s two children, Clemens, 4, and Graham, 1.

Robinson is also past secretary of the Sussex County Bar Association and a member of the Delaware Preservation Fund.

“I’m waiting to see what happens,” said Robinson.

Republicans scramble for seat

Republican Committee Chairman Ron Sams said many candidates who sought the GOP nod for the Senate race are interested in the House race. Executive Vice President of the Sussex County Association of Realtors Ruth Briggs King, former owner of Bodie’s market Eric Bodenweiser, Republican Committee Chairman Lyle Humpton of Bridgeville and Rep. Dave Wilson, R-Bridgeville, all sought the Senate nomination. Briggs King refused to say if she would run in the House race.

“I think it’s premature to talk about that. We’re in the middle of the Senate race. I’m working hard for Joe Booth, hoping he’ll be a victor,” said King.

“I’m flattered to be considered. I find it exciting to read about all the potential candidates, as if it’s a foregone conclusion that Mr. Booth will win,” she said.

Bodenweiser, who announced his interest in the House seat weeks ago, said, “If Joe’s elected, I will certainly look to make a presentation and hope they’ll consider me for the seat. I’ve been getting quite a few emails from people asking me to run.”

Georgetown Town Councilman Brian Pettyjohn is working on Booth’s campaign. He said he’s also interested in the House seat.

Pettyjohn, 35, is an information technology manager at Mountaire Farms in Millsboro. Pettyjohn graduated from Sussex Central High School and was elected to council in 2008. He is a member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware League of Local Governments and Sussex County Association of Towns. He is married to Kelly and has a 5-year-old daughter, Mollie. “My interest has been in supporting Joe from day one. When and if he wins, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I have expressed my interest should that seat become available,” said Pettyjohn.