Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D)GEORGETOWN, Del.- Delaware Republicans are pressuring Gov. Jack Markell to sign a pledge that, if reelected, he will serve a full second term.
Republican challenger Jeff Cragg sent out a signed copy of the one-sentence pledge on Tuesday. A September article from Politico about future cabinet secretaries fueled rumors that Markell, a Democrat, could be considered as the next secretary of education, if President Barack Obama wins reelection.
"I urge Governor Markell to do the right thing and pledge to Delaware voters that he has their best interest in mind," said John Sigler, chairman of the Delaware Republican State Committee, in a statement on Oct. 1.
The Markell campaign downplayed the rumors, noting the issue is based on one sentence that is solely speculation. Campaign spokesman Jonathan Kott said President Barack Obama has not spoken with Markell about the job and current education secretary Arne Duncan is not expected to step down anytime soon.
"If others are taking notice of Delaware's success, Governor Markell sees that as a positive point, not one to use to score petty political points," Kott said in an email statement. "Governor Markell loves his job as governor and is working hard to win reelection to serve the people of Delaware for another four years."
Kott said the only pledge Markell would take would be on inauguration night.
Markell and Cragg are set to debate Thursday night at the University of Delaware.
