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The congressional candidates were followed by Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III, the lone Democratic candidate for Attorney General. Biden spoke of the unity and dedication that the delegates had shown over the last week. Over 700 people attended his three announcements last week and the Democrats came out in full force again last night.
The two Democratic incumbents – Senator Tom Carper and State Treasurer Jack Markell – finished the night by energizing the crowd and trumpeting the party’s current ticket. Markell spoke first, reminding the delegates that the real influence in the election lies with those in the crowd, not the candidates onstage.
“It’s about you and the thousands of volunteers you represent, who will knock on the doors, make the calls, host the coffees, write the checks,” said Markell. “It’s you who win elections, not us who get to stand up here and give speeches. And to all of you, for your advocacy and your actions, your persistence and your determination, your optimism and your get it done attitude, we’re so grateful.”
Sen. Carper took the opportunity to emphasize the theme of the night: the Democrats’ record of helping Delawareans. He highlighted the past accomplishments and the future abilities of the 2006 Democratic team, while noting some national Democratic priorities.
“Delawareans understand that the Democratic Party shares their values and that we put Delaware first,” Carper said. “Democrats are in touch with our concerns and most of all, Democrats are concerned about getting results for the people of our state and our nation.”
Carper continued: “We, as Democrats, must emphasize the need to address issues like the need for energy independence; affordable healthcare for all of our citizens; out of control budget and trade deficits; and a strategy to bring our troops home from Iraq while encouraging the growth of democracy there and in other parts of the Middle East.”
The clearest common thread throughout the night was the sense of unity amongst both the candidates and the party. This is the earliest the Delaware Democratic Party has ever emerged united for an election.
Gov. Minner encapsulated the crowd’s feelings in her remarks.
“I could not be more proud to be a part of our state Democratic team,” she said. “We have made Delaware a state we are proud to call home, and a place we work every day to ensure that we remain a leader in so many areas.
The rules were approved as submitted, and the unanimously endorsed candidates were: Tom Carper, U.S. Senate; Dennis Spivack, U.S. Representative; Joseph R. “Beau” Biden, III, State Attorney General; and Jack Markell, State Treasurer.
Alexander Snyder-Mackler
Communications Director
DE Democratic Party
302-328-9036
smacklera@deldems.org
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