Those on the left say they’re re-energized after a crushing defeat in last November’s presidential election while Republicans are trying to break the Democratic grip on state government in a contentious special election that's consumed northwestern Delaware.
The 10th Senate District race could decide the balance of power in the General Assembly’s upper chamber that Democrats have controlled since the 1970s.
It’s been split at 10-10 since Bethany Hall-Long (D) became lieutenant governor last month.
Thomas Bland says he’s voting for Democrat Stephanie Hansen.
He notes this special election is a way for party loyalists to vent their frustration with President Donald Trump (R), but that it’s much more than that.
“I see it as an outlet, but I also see it as a new beginning for us going forward towards the election for 2018. We have [a nationwide election] and we have another presidential election coming up in four years,” Bland said.
Democrats aren’t taking chances with this special election – even bringing in former Vice President Joe Biden to knock on doors.
Biden met with voters at their homes and during a campaign rally for Hansen recently.
But Terri Mingoia, who’s voting for Republican John Marino, says the last eight years of Democratic control over state government has been enough.
“I just think that everybody should get a voice and when you have one party rule in anything they don’t allow much dissention or choice,” Mignoia said.
She thinks Marino will help cut Delaware’s $4.1 billion budget, which she notes is too high.
Hansen and Marino also face Libertarian Joseph Lanzendorfer.
Voters head to the polls Saturday.
