A legacy Democrat in a heavily Democratic district in Delaware is routed by a Republican in a special election:
Roughly one month ago Delaware State Senator (Senator President Pro Tem as well) Thurman Adams (D) died at the age of 80 from a bout with pancreatic cancer. There was a special election yesterday and the two front runners were Joe Booth (R) and Polly Adams Mervine (D and daughter of the late Senator Thurman Adams). Polly had two major things going for her:
1) she is a Democrat; and
2) she is the daughter of Thurman.
Legacy politics is the political way of life in Delaware. Beau Biden won the AG’s spot because of his last name… nothing else.
Nevertheless Joe Booth won, taking a seat that was held by the Democratic Party for roughly 40 years in a state where the Democrats rule the House, Senate, and the Governor’s office.
What is most remarkable about the win was the margin. Joe garnered over 60% of the vote in a heavy Democrat area and trounced Adams Mervine by 30 points.
Was Adams Mervine the Democrats’ canary in the coal mine for state legislative as well as congressional races upcoming?
UPDATE: New Jersey voters are feeling the same way, at least for now. The election isn’t until November.
