The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors stopped short of endorsing a candidate in a race that will control of the Delaware State Senate.
Former New Castle County Member Stephanie Hansen, a Democrat, is pitted against Republican John Marino in the sprawling district that extends from Newark to the Middletown area.
Democrats and women’s groups have poured money into the race, which has gained national attention as a possible referendum on the Trump presidency.
Hansen’s advertisements have commonplace on cable channels. Marino has said the infusion of money will not influence voters in the district.
The Chamber’s Chair Chip Rossi and President Rich Heffron submitted a submitted a letter to the News Journal on the race for the seat that was vacated by current Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long. Marino has run strong past races in the district that includes one of the fastest growing areas of the state.
According to the editorial, the Chamber’s Board of Governors met with the candidates, who both said the state’s economy and budget should be the primary focus.
“Both candidates presented well and focused their remarks on many of the things the Chamber advocates for every day, including the growth of small business, infrastructure, good jobs and safe, healthy communities throughout the state of Delaware,” the editorial stated.
Our focus quickly shifted from the candidates themselves to what this election means long-term for Delaware.
Questions raised by the board include:
- What facilitates the most change for Delaware when the status quo is unacceptable?
- Is one-party control of the executive and legislative branches conducive to resolving the difficult issues facing our state? If so, how can those in power be held more accountable?
- How best are the issues surrounding a projected $350 million budget shortfall solved so that our revenue and spending structure are sustainable long term?
- How do we capitalize on reestablishing Delaware as a manufacturing hub by retooling currently abandoned manufacturing sites for job and economic growth?
- How do we best address unsustainable increases in healthcare costs for both the private and public sectors?
- In what ways is the environment surrounding job creation being fostered?
- How best does Delaware copy and expand upon Middletown’s economic development success to bring jobs and growth statewide?
The Delaware State Chamber has been more nonpartisan than the U.S. Chamber, which has strongly supported Republican presidents and Congresses over the years.
