Campaign Trail

Sussex Republicans to hold candidates' forum Aug. 13

The Sussex County Republican Committee will hold a U.S. Senate candidates' forum at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 13, at the CHEER Community Center on Sand Hill Road at Route 9 east of Georgetown.

The forum will feature Rob Arlett and Gene Truono, the two Republican candidates for the office of United States senator from Delaware.

Mike Bradley, WGMD's morning show host, will moderate the forum, which will include a special introductory presentation by Republican Delaware State Treasurer Ken Simpler. The doors will open at 5:45 p.m. for a meet-and-greet opportunity with the candidates. Admission is free.

For more information, contact the Sussex County Republican Committee at 302-856-6323.

14th District Dems to meet Aug. 8

The 14th RD Democratic Committee monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 8. Optional dinner is 5:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Forgotten Mile Ale House, 20859 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach. Speaker will be Delaware Democratic Chairman Erik Raser-Schramm with an update on upcoming elections.

20th House district Democratic Committee supports Bucchioni

The 20th Representative District Democratic Committee endorsed John Bucchioni July 19 in his race for the Delaware House of Representatives.

Bucchioni is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, for the seat that covers Lewes, Milton, Coolspring and Harbeson.

"Jack has been actively knocking on doors of residents in District 20, listening to their concerns, since announcing his candidacy this past January. He clearly understands the challenges to ensuring that our quality of life is protected," said 20th District Chair Kerry Thalheim.

"Bucchioni is committed to supporting clean water initiatives, and efforts to bring entrepreneurial businesses and healthcare career jobs to augment existing industries in Sussex County. He is an advocate for bringing fast internet to this area, making District 20 more attractive as a place to establish healthcare facilities and 21st century businesses. Also, Jack recognizes that our transportation/infrastructure problems can only be solved by the willingness of local, county and state entities to work together."

Bucchioni is a 67-year-old retired senior business executive and educator. His business experience includes serving as vice president of The Boyds Collection Ltd.; president of Cherrydale Farms, the oldest national school fundraiser company in America; and as general manager of Maryland Plastics Inc., a division of Bio Medic Corporation, an international and domestic hospital laboratory equipment manufacturer. Bucchionoi has been a full-time resident in District 20 since 2011. He has a bachelor's degree in education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and an MS in education from Binghamton University of New York.

He is an active member of the Milton Lions Club, Lewes American Legion and Sussex League of Women Voters. He and his wife, Linda, live in Milton. They have two sons, one daughter and five grandchildren. For more information, go to www.Bucchioni20.com.

DSEA endorses Davies for state auditor

The Delaware State Education Association has endorsed Kathleen Davies for state auditor, citing her 25 years of experience in auditing. Davies has 15 years of experience at the director/senior staff level, and seven years as second-in-command in the Delaware Auditor of Accounts Office.

"Kathleen Davies has the experience needed to get done the critical work of the state auditor's office. With more than 25 years of auditing and accounting experience, Kathleen is the most qualified candidate with the skills needed to serve as a strong watchdog for Delaware's taxpayers," said DSEA President Mike Matthews.

"DSEA members want an auditor who is going to hold state agencies and school districts accountable for taxpayer dollars. We enthusiastically recommend Kathleen for state auditor and believe she's the best choice for voters to make on Sept. 6.

Conservation group endorses Carper

The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, which works to elect candidates who will support sound environmental policies, has endorsed U.S. Sen. Tom Carper in Delaware's 2018 U.S. Senate race.

A fund leader said the group is supporting Carper because of his leadership to enact and protect lifesaving environmental policies. "As the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, he works tirelessly to protect our air and water, and has led the fight against Trump's anti-environmental agenda and nominees, especially former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt," said LCV Action Fund Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld.

Carper said he welcomes the group's endorsement and pledged to fight against harmful environmental policies of this administration. "From clean air to clean water, I am fighting to make sure we enact and protect policies based on science – not opinion – and remove misguided leaders like Scott Pruitt from ruining the progress we've made toward a safer environment. Our work is only beginning, and we must continue to fight so we have a healthy environment for generations to come," Carper said.

Carper has also received endorsements in Delaware's 2018 race for U.S. Senate from the Delaware Democratic Party, Delaware AFL-CIO, Delaware Laborers, Delaware State Education Association, Delaware Stonewall PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund.