Sussex conservatives challenge Republican incumbents

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Sussex conservatives challenge Republican incumbents

Simpson, Booth face challengers, Sept. 11

SUSSEX COUNTY — Two Republican senators are defending their seats against challengers who promise to support a more conservative agenda. Matthew Opaliski says he would repeal laws in Dover. Eric Bodenweiser says he would cut state agency regulations.
Opaliski challenges Simpson

Opaliski is challenging Senate Minority Leader Gary Simpson, R-Milford, in the Tuesday, Sept. 11 Republican primary. The winner of the primary will run unopposed in the Tuesday, Nov. 6, general election.
Simpson has represented Senate District 18 since 1999. He recently retired after 20 years working in alumni relations for University of Delaware. Simpson said his experience at UD and helping run the Delaware State Fair have given him a strong background to be an effective legislator.
“Having to deal with a diverse population throughout my professional career has given me the experience necessary to be able to work across party lines to achieve benefits for my constituents,” Simpson said.
Opaliski said he and Simpson have different political philosophies. “The incumbent, who as evidenced by his record of voting for taxes to be raised or implemented and more government regulation at every turn, is by no means a conservative,” Opaliski said.
“Politics is an aggressive sport if you want to advance your agenda, and advancing the conservative agenda is exactly what I'm going to do,” he said.
Opaliski, 38, said if elected, he would work to repeal laws, including the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and a bill to allow online gambling, sports betting and Keno in Delaware.
The candidate has called Simpson passive and said Simpson failed to introduce any meaningful legislation.
Simpson said he prefers to work quietly behind the scenes to achieve results. “However, I am not hesitant to confront issues head-on when the situation demands a hard stance,” he said.
Both candidates said they are confident about their chances of winning the primary.
Booth defends against Bodenweiser

Georgetown 9-12 Patriot Bodenweiser is challenging Sen. Joe Booth, R-Georgetown, for the second consecutive election cycle.
Booth has served in the Senate since winning a special election in 2009. “I feel that I have great relationships with my colleagues, which enable me to be effective for the people I seek to represent, Booth said. “It’s about working together for the better cause – our constituents.”
Booth is a former mayor of Georgetown. Before his election, he owned and operated a dry cleaning business.
After Booth won the September 2010 primary against Bodenweiser, he announced he had accepted a job for Sussex Technical High School, with a state salary of nearly $60,000, plus $17,000 in benefits.
Bodenweiser, 53, lost the seat to Booth by about 120 votes. “This time the pundits seem to be giving me better odds,” Bodenweiser said. “God has this election figured out; we’ll know His decision on Sept. 11.”
Bodenweiser said his small business experience, running Bodie’s Dairy Markets with his father, gives him an edge over Booth. The Bodenweisers sold the chain in 2001 because of excessive regulation by state agencies, such as Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Department of Labor, Bodenweiser said.
“These agencies dream up regulations all night long while real job creators are trying to get a good night’s sleep. This must stop,” he said.
The 19th Senate District encompasses Bridgeville, Georgetown and Long Neck. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Jane Hovington in the general election.
http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/n...umbents/889705