Ken Simpler, the Sussex County businessman hoping to earn the GOP nomination for state treasurer this year, is responding to fellow Republican Sher Valenzuela’s decision last week to run against him in the September primary.
Valenzuela, who owns the Milford-based First State Manufacturing, filed to enter the race for treasurer just before last week’s deadline. She says Democrats are already compiling information on Simpler’s background to use against him in the general election, and that played a major role in her decision to run
Simpler says he doesn’t know what in his background would have spurred another Republican to challenge him in a primary.
"I cannot speculate on her speculation about what are the things in my past -- what I can say is that I’m a Delaware guy. I grew up in Sussex County, Rehoboth Beach, as did my dad, and his dad before him and his dad before him. I think I understand Delaware values," said Simpler.
Simpler worked for a time as a hedge fund manager for the investment firm Citadel.Valenzuela cited that stint at Citadel as one possible liabilities Democrats could use against Simpler.
Simpler counters by saying his financial experience is exactly what makes him qualified for the job to manage the First State’s portfolio.
"The last thing they’re going to want to make this race about is qualifications for the office, because quite frankly if this is a race about qualifications for the office, then I win in a landslide," said Simpler.
Simpler currently serves as the chief financial officer for Seaboard Hotels in Rehoboth Beach. Valenzuela owns an upholstery company employing about 80 people in Milford.
Simpler or Valenzuela will face off against the winner of the Democratic primary between Sean Barney and current Treasurer Chip Flowers in the November general election.