Why Delaware Isn't A GOP Gimme

[ccharles000]

Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE) is one of the most popular politicians in his home state, but that doesn't mean he will coast to a win this year, as he seeks retiring Sen. Ted Kaufman's (D) seat. Instead, Castle will have to get by New Castle Co. Exec. Chris Coons (D), the first strong Dem to run against Castle in decades.

Most surveys have shown Castle leading by a wide margin. But in a small state with a history of electing thoughtful candidates to office -- like Castle himself -- the race won't be the guarantee GOPers hoped for. In an interview with Hotline OnCall on Friday, Coons made the case that his experience, and his electoral position, make him the right candidate to beat Castle, a GOPer who has held statewide office for 3 decades.

"I'm comfortably confident because I've got polls that show I can win," Coons said. His challenge: "I have to remind people that Congressman Mike Castle is a Republican Congressman."

"I have a communications challenge," he added, pointing to polls that show Castle is much better-known throughout the state. Still, with the $4M Coons estimates he must raise to persuade enough voters, early polling shows Castle's lead evaporates because voters cannot point to any signature achievements.

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/06/why_delaware_is.php

[SteveG]

1. He is also being primaried from the Right

Christine O'Donnell is challenging Castle, and is a fav of the Teaparty rank and file, especially in Lower DE. A lot of these people will not vote for Castle if he is the Candidate, and they definitely won't work for his election.

[one_voice]

2. I so wish Ted Kaufman would...

run. I don't like Mike Castle, and will not vote for him. I've been following Coons and reading his site.

[jillan]

5. Ted Kaufman has been a pleasant surprise. I too wish he'd run.

[treestar]

3. Carper beat Roth, showing it is possible to defeat a long term incumbent

And Castle isn't even running for the same seat he's held, but trying to upgrade to the Senate.

[KingFlorez]

4. I'm glad the GOP isn't being given a freebie on this