Carper endorses former adviser for Delaware Treasurer

Delaware Sen. Tom Carper endorsed Sean Barney, his former policy adviser, who is vying for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer.

Barney will square off against Democratic incumbent Chip Flowers this fall. 

In a videotaped endorsement released on Friday, Carper described Barney as “one of the smartest people, I think, I’ve ever met and worked with.”

“He’s running against an incumbent, a person I like and have no ill-will toward,” Carper continued, “but in this case, this is just a question of my admiration, really my reverence, that I feel toward Sean Barney.”

In 2001, Barney worked with Carper in the U.S. Senate after he was elected. He focused on economic, tax and budget issues until shortly after 9/11, when Barney said he was called to serve his country as a Marine.

“I am proud to have the support of Sen. Carper, a former State Treasurer who knows first-hand the positive impact the office can have on the lives of Delawareans,” Barney said. “I want to reinvigorate the core functions of the office, continue to build bridges with leaders around the state and bring the office out to many communities and Delawareans who remain financially stressed.”

Barney’s campaign website also lists dozens of other endorsements from state lawmakers and community leaders.

The Democratic primary is Sept. 9, 2014.