Republican legislators want Delaware Elections Commissioner removed from office

Republican legislators in Dover don’t believe the Delaware Elections Commissioner should be reappointed.They have sent a “no confidence” letter sent to Gov. Jack Markell expressing their concerns.

According to the letter, signed by 24 members of the House and Senate Republican Caucuses, Elaine Manlove who currently serves as Commissioner of the Department of Elections is unable to perform her job fairly. Republican leaders have even met behind the scenes to discuss Manlove’s future with some Democrats and representatives of the Markell Administration.

“We have worked quietly behind the scenes for weeks to change the Governor’s mind on this decision,” said Senate Minority Whip Greg Lavelle (R-Sharpley). “It is critical that both parties have faith in the Elections Commissioner, and that is not the case today.”

Also vocal on the issue was State House Minority Leader Danny Short, R-Seaford, “During her time leading the agency, we do not believe the Department of Elections has acted efficiently, effectively, and objectively.

“In this challenging environment, we believe our state needs a new commissioner who will inspire faith and be above reproach,” Short added.

However, despite the letter, Commissioner Manlove was reappointed Wednesday during a Senate Legislative session.  She received 12 “Yes” votes from Democrats. Every republican which included eight “No” votes remained committed to not supporting Manlove but optimistic about the future. 

“The best course is to wait for the new Governor to put forward a new name in 2017, ” Sen. Lavelle said.