Rep. Brad BennettDOVER, Del.- Following Rep. Brad Bennett's announcement on Tuesday that he will not be running for re-election, House Republicans say they wish Bennett the best but the election could be a big help for them.
"I have always said, 'One party rule is not good for any state.' and we need to turn this around," said House Minority Whip Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View. "And this may give us a chance to pick up Brad's seat on the Republican side."
Bennett was elected to the House in 2008. He is taking a step back from the legislature to deal with personal issues stemming from his second DUI arrest in April in Wilmington.
He tearfully announced his decision not to run for re-election Tuesday.
"Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence and head of the House, I hope I can ensure the 32nd District is not without representation in the closing days and I will retire and not seek re-election from this House and I will devote my time to taking care of myself and my family," Bennett said.
With Bennett's exit, many Republicans are saying the 32nd District is anyone's game, but not so fast, according to House Majority Leader Peter Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth. He said he is ready for a primary with a lot of Democratic candidates.
"If there's more than one candidate, I'm OK with that," he said. "We'll pick the best one that the district likes, we'll vote them in and we'll move from there."
There is currently only one candidate on the ballot for the 32nd District: Republican Ellis Parrott. Candidates have until July 10 to register for the Sept. 10 primary.
