Charlie Copeland wants to lead Delaware Republicans

Charlie Copeland, the 2008 GOP candidate for Lt. Governor in Delaware and former Senate minority leader in Dover wants the job of leading and rebuilding the Republican party.

Copeland’s desire for the job comes days after former party chair, John Sigler, abruptly resigned saying he could not continue because of personal reasons.

Right after Sigler’s Wednesday announcement, Copeland wasn’t sure he could take on the job.  He told NewsWorks that if he factored in his position at Design Associates, his graphic design company, his role with Delaware Academy of Public Safety and Security Charter School, his kids now in high school, and his wife’s law job that his “dance card was pretty full”.

Over the last couple of days Copeland says he has spoken with several Republicans and has had a chance to talk it over with his kids and wife.  He says he’s read to accept the challenge. 

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Copeland has also been a regular contributor to First on WHYY-TV.  He has been vocal during the broadcast about how the Republican party in Delaware continues to slip away from relevance in the state.  However, during the latest edition of State of Play he was critical of Democratic Governor Jack Markell.  “If you compare Jack to his five year plan that he introduced when he first ran for governor I’d give him a D.  But, if you factor in other circumstances that occurred after he became governor, I’d give him a C,” Copeland said on the broadcast.

During the roundtable segment, Copeland has been paired with former New Castle County President Stephanie Hansen.  She says Republicans in western and central Sussex County will be in for a culture clash when they meet him.  She does his strongest appeal may be to the “Democrats-in-name-only” and whether he can move them to the Republican side.

The state party will hold an election sometime before the end of July.

Here is Copeland’s last appearance on State of Play. 

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