Markell to lead 1st State

By Andrew Ostroski
Staff Writer

WILMINGTON -- In the race to hold the highest office in Delaware, the future of the state's economy was one of the hot topics. And experience with handling the state's finances could be one of the reasons the state's current treasurer, Jack Markell, came out on top in Tuesday's election.

The Wilmington Democrat defeated the Republican candidate, Bill Lee of Rehoboth Beach, in the race for the governor's office. Reports said Lee called Markell shortly after the polls closed to concede the election.

"Tonight we make history, not just for the changes that are coming to Washington, but for the opportunities that are coming to Delaware," Markell said in a speech after Lee's concession. "Tonight our state has voted for change and for self-renewal, and I can't wait to get sworn in as your governor and get to work."

Markell, 47, will be the 71st governor in Delaware's history, and the 20th Democrat to hold the position. Democrats have held the governor's position since Tom Carper took office in January 1993. Markell will succeed Ruth Ann Minner, who took the governor's position after Carper resigned in 2001 to become a U.S. senator.

Markell defeated Lt. Gov. John Carney in the September primary to face off against Lee. The Republican Party effectively drafted Lee to be its candidate after several potential suitors dropped out of the running. Lee previously ran as the Republican candidate in 2004, narrowly losing to Minner.

Later in his speech, Markell outlined some of the problems Delaware faces, which he will tackle through the next four years.

"Our economy is in the worst shape in a generation, and too many of our neighbors are losing their jobs, their health care and their housing," he said. "Our schools face the challenge of preparing students to compete in a global marketplace, and yet we still need to work on the fundamentals like making sure more kids graduate on time."

Both candidates campaigned across the state Tuesday, with much of the focus being on New Castle County. In the late afternoon, Lee was in the Newark area searching for votes at polling places.

"It's been a busy day," Lee said while on the campaign trail. "We've been very positively received everywhere. I don't know if that's a sign that we're making up ground or that Delawareans are very courteous"

Support for Markell was high around the state, including precincts in Rehoboth Beach, where Lee resides. Atom Irwin, a Rehoboth voter, said she cast her ballot for Markell.

"I voted for Markell because of all of his experience," she said.

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