It’s clear that we are seeing raw politics at work following a guilty verdict by a statewide officeholder.
On Thursday, Senate Republicans called for “due process” following a decision by Senate Democrats to begin the hearings that could lead to the removal of Delaware State Auditor of Accounts Kathy McGuiness.
The state Constitution gives the governor the power to remove a statewide public official after a two-thirds vote by the House and Senate. That provision has never been used. In two centuries. The paragraph in the Constitution provides no guidance on “due process” or when proceedings can get underway.
Republicans senators, all of who represent areas in McGuiness’ home territory of Kent and Sussex counties, released a letter stating that nothing should happen until sentencing or perhaps when her appeals are exhausted. McGuiness was convicted by a Kent County jury on three misdemeanor counts.
Normally, even the most stubborn public official would step down and move on. The former Rehoboth drugstore and shoe store owner bet the house on being cleared of all charges. That did not happen as McGuiness continues to run for a second term.
It leaves the state with a dilemma as the clock ticks down.
Northern Delaware lawyer Lydia York has announced her candidacy as a Democrat and will face a primary battle with McGuiness, who by now is pretty well known by now. The Republican candidate is a practicing Hockessin attorney and self-described “freedom fighter and stay-at-home mom” Janice Lorrah.
For Republicans, keeping McGuiness in office may improve their chances of returning a party member to the auditor’s post. Their stance is wrong on many levels.
Instead, every effort should be made by both parties and the business community to convince McGuiness to step down, remove the cloud that now hovers over a key statewide office and let the election process play out. – Doug Rainey, chief content officer.
