Delaware Dems can’t agree on endorsement for treasurer

The Delaware Democratic Executive Committee won’t endorse incumbent Treasurer Chip Flowers or his primary opponent Sean Barney.

The committee was able to come to a decision on endorsements for every statewide race on the ballot this year except for the treasurer’s race. According to a statement from state Democratic Party Chairman John Daniello, committee members couldn’t reach an agreement on endorsing Flowers or Barney because of the “perception of quality both Democratic State Treasurer candidates possess.”

The primary campaign between Flowers and Barney has already been quite contentious. Barney accused Flowers of “erratic behavior” and said, “Flowers isn’t a credible messenger for proposals to expand the authority of the State Treasurer.” Flowers has accused Barney of politicizing his military experience during the campaign.

Earlier this month, the two Democrats squared off in a debate hosted at Widener University. 

The winner of the Democratic primary will face either Ken Simpler or Sher Valenzuela, the candidates competing in the Republican primary.

Other endorsements

The committee was able to agree on an endorsement in the only other statewide Democratic primary. In the state auditor’s race, they endorsed Brenda Mayrack over Ken Matlusky. The winner of that primary will face the only Republican holding a statewide elected office, Tom Wagner.

The committee also endorsed the three statewide candidates who don’t face a primary opponent. Senator Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney were both endorsed for reelection. Matt Denn was also endorsed in his effort to become Delaware’s next attorney general.