Rep. Mike Castle is planning on polling a potential three-way Senate race to test his chances as a write-in candidate, a Delaware Republican tells POLITICO.
Castle, who lost his GOP primary by a 6-point margin to tea party upstart Christine O’Donnell nine days ago, opened the door to a potential write-in bid Wednesday evening when he told reporters off the House floor it was still a possibility he was considering.
The GOP source did not have specifics on when Castle’s team would conduct the poll, but viewed it as a practical step even if the nine-term congressman was unlikely to re-enter the race.
A spokeswoman for Castle, who put the chances of him running as a write-in “under 5 percent,” said her boss likely wouldn’t settle on a final decision before next week. According to the state Elections Commission, Castle would have to complete a form by next Thursday to officially qualify as a write-in candidate.
Said Castle spokeswoman Kate Dickens: “A lot of encouragement has come in, nice calls from people in Delaware who want an independent voice.”
Dickens, who would not confirm a plan to poll, said Castle has mostly been focused on House business, but has taken calls from those urging him to pursue a bid without a party banner.
Delaware GOP National Committeewoman Priscilla Rakestraw said she has fielded dozens of calls over the last 48 hours, mostly from Democrats, about a potential Castle write-in campaign.
“They want to organize a write-in campaign. I’m stunned. Obviously, they don’t like their option of voting for Chris Coons. I pass them along to Mike Castle’s organization. I think they are waiting for a nod from Castle,” Rakestraw said.
Rakestraw said that a Castle bid would likely test her loyalties. “Everyone knows of my relationship and loyalty to Mike Castle. I make no secret of that. I might have to make a tough decision.”
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Great Job RINO Castle. We always knew you were a RINO and now you want to split the vote and hand the seat over easily to the Democrats. You are nothing but a sore loser. The people have spoken and you have lost. Get over it!!
ReplyDeleteMike ought quit whining and come out whole heartedly in support of O'Donnell rather than trying to hand this very important seat over to Coons. He got whooped up in the primary by those who were supposed to be his friends; he'll be humiliated forever if he turns against his party's wishes.
ReplyDeleteAmen...please take a hint from your loss and just go away.
ReplyDeleteIf he does I'll wager the good people of Delaware will never elect him for anything again. He's no better then Spector!
ReplyDeleteI guess he didn't get the memo!
ReplyDeleteMr. Castle the people have spoken and you are no longer wanted in office. You did your job and some might say you did it well. Please do everyone a favor and move on. The time has come.
Mikey didn't you get the message the first time? The people have spoken and don't want you! Just hang it up , stop whining and get a job.
ReplyDeleteSome people are forgetting that a write-in candidate is just that. A person could write in a vote for the Jack Markell if they wanted to, and if he got the most votes then they would have to offer him the job. You same people who are telling him to go away because "the people didn't want him" obviously don't know how the system actually works. If you don't like him, don't write him in. Unless you all are afraid that moderates in the state will continue to vote for him and mess up the chances of your "anointed one" winning. Come to think of it... You probably should be afraid of that. Nevermind...
ReplyDeletethanks 6:14. The "people" speak during the general election. Not a republican primary. Matter of fact, how about we let DE citizens choose their rep. instead of the national media.
ReplyDeleteI received a polling call a week ago Saturday, the 18th. The Saturday following the primary. I thought it was dumb then and I think it's dumb now. Money that could be spent on more important things...
ReplyDeleteI get this poll call DAILY and on my cell phone!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't give him my vote now even if I had voted for him before just because of these calls!