Anyone present at Frank Murphy’s announcement last night had to be blown away.
Frank — the Democratic candidate in the 10th Rep District — gave as eloquent and passionate a speech as we have heard this campaign season. He spoke mostly about healthcare, an issue prominent in everyone’s minds.
Introducing Frank were a trio of statewide elected officials: Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn, State Treasurer Jack Markell, and Lt. Gov. John Carney. They used phrases like “tireless worker” and “terrific leader” to describe Frank, and Denn noted how each of the three officials won Frank’s district by comfortable margins — highlighting the Democratic-leaning demographics for Frank’s race.
Frank talked specifically about two bills that would have helped Delaware were it not for House Republicans like his opponent, Bob Valihura.
One was S.B. 146, which would have created a statewide health insurance purchasing pool to allow individuals and small businesses to get the best premiums possible from the insurance market.
The second, S.B. 236, would grant Commissioner Denn the same ability to review health insurance premiums that it now has for auto, homeowners, and many other kinds of insurance.
It is estimated that these bills would provide health insurance to many of the 100,000 uninsured Delawareans.
The State Senate passed these two bills with broad bi-partisan support (20-0, and 17-4).
The House, controlled by Bob Valihura, Terry Spence and their Republican friends, did not even allow these bills to be voted on.
There is no better example about why Delaware needs a new direction; Frank and his fellow Democratic challengers (like Mike Barbieri, pictured with Lt. Gov. Carney) will provide that direction in Dover.
–ASM
I’m happy to see our statewide electeds supporting Democrats running in localized races. Democrats know how to work together and get things done!
The 10th District needs a strong voice to represent and lead such a diverse area, not one like Valihura who represents only the more affluent section of the 10th! Way to go Frank! Thanks for stepping up to the plate!
First, thanks to Frank for throwing his hat in–second, this is probably one of the most winable seats! From what I remember every statewide D has done better than 53% in this district, especially Jack and John (maybe Frank should go door to door with them
)
Way to go DDP for finding this dream candidate, and way to go Frank for showing the R’s that their time is up.
~Feliscatus~
Shame on the Republicans! Those bills highlighted in the post are clearly good for Delaware. Obviously, the Republicans in the House are out of touch and care more about big business than helping Delaware’s citizens.
Frank is a nice guy but there is no way he beats Bob. Sorry folks.
Question, besides recruiting the entire field of D challengers over the last two cycles, what else does Markell do? Please folks, I know he’s bright and charming but as my old amer. govt prof used to say, “what did he do when he had the power?” I can’t say Jack’s done that much.
Be afraid Valihura. Be very afraid.
Yeah,
He is shaking in his boots. Please……….you guys are a joke. All your efforts will be put into saving deadbeats like Sokola and you’ll leave Frank out knocking on doors outside the district lines. Its a shame because he is a bright honest guy. Whose running his race, Eric Levin?
Doesn’t Frank Murphy live practically across the street from Valihura? How does he represent the non-affluent parts of the district better? I had a meeting with Bob Valihura a couple years ago, and he came in after he had been riding around all the roads in his district (after the bad snowstorms we had) checking the roads and neighborhoods (all of them). I was impressed with his dedication – that was not right before an election. He looks out for his constituents.