37th House seat vote is Saturday in Delaware

Delaware voters in Sussex county will go to the polls Saturday to fill a vacancy in the state house in Dover.

The 37th District House seat is now in the hands of voters.

In Saturday’s special election they will pick either Republican Ruth Briggs King or Democrat Rob Robinson for the seat vacated by Joe Booth.

The Republican Booth moved to the Senate last month after winning a special election in the 19th Senatorial District to fill the seat of the late Thurman Adams.

A victory by Robinson would give the Democrats a super majority in the house. Here is a profile of each of the candidates.

Ruth Briggs King

Age: 53

Highest Degree: Masters Degree in Human Resources, Instructional Leadership; Wilmington University.

Relevant Experience: Diverse background including medical, education, human resources, banking and finance, housing.

“I’ve worked throughout Delaware so I have a pretty good understanding of major industries and occupations that effect our state.”

Key Issues: Economy; Unemployment.

“Also in our area it’s growth and development. It’s competing in some cases with the need for jobs but the need to conserve our land and our heritage.”

Why Ruth Briggs King? “First of all because of my diverse background and experience. Second of all because of my passion that I have for the area and my community service. I’ve been very involved with many organizations for a long time. So I’m committed to the community and I work very hard. And I’m also just focused on constituent service because what it comes down to is your constituents want to know that you’re going to work for them, you’re available for them and that you’re going to be responsive to them.”

Rob Robinson

Age: 37

Highest Degree: Law degree from Washington & Lee University.

Job: Lawyer

Relevant Experience: Lifelong resident of the district; Very involved in community; Good knowledge of area; Member of Georgetown Planning Commission for last eight years.

“In my private practice I’ve seen a lot of different types of cases and helped a variety of different people. There’s kind of a short jump between working for your clients and then working for your constituents. Sometimes cases involve advocacy and sometimes they call for negotiation and compromise. I think those are good skills for a representative.

Key Issues: Budget; Getting people back to work.

“I think Delaware’s a small enough state that we should be able to be nimble and responsive to the needs of business. And that’s one of the advantages of us being a small state, that we can act on leads quickly and address any problems or concerns that people have.”

Why Rob Robinson?  “I think the fact that I’ve been involved in the community. I have deep ties to this area. I come from a bipartisan family. I’m an independent thinker and I definitely have the best interests of this area in mind. I’m going to be an advocate of this district up in Dover.”

Polling Places:Ninth Grade Campus, 820 Savannah Rd., Lewes; Shields Elementary School, 910 Shields Ave., Lewes; Zoar Church Hall, 24463 Gravel Rd., Millsboro; Harbeson Church Hall, 18636 Harbeson Rd., Harbeson; Georgetown Elementary School, 301-A W. Market St., Georgetown; N. Georgetown Elementary, 664 N. Bedford St., Georgetown; Georgetown Middle School, 301-A W. Market St., Georgetown; DOT Transportation Bldg., 23697 Dupont Hwy., Georgetown.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters are reminded to bring their identification. Anyone who registered for the 2008 election or since is eligible to vote.