Republicans target open Newark seat in statehouse

Delaware Republicans are hoping a special election this year will help shift the balance of power in Dover and are targeting an open House seat in Newark that Democrats are risking on a fourth-year legislative aide without campaign experience.

On Monday night, the Delaware GOP told party members that Eileen O'Shaughnessy-Coleman, a lifelong Newark resident and intern with former Congressman Mike Castle, will face House legislative aide David Bentz in the September special election.

If Republicans pick up the seat, it would mean that any three-fifths votes, like tax increases, would need at least one vote from Republicans. That could be troublesome for Democratic lawmakers who faced defiance within their own party, as well as push back from Republicans during this year's tumultuous budget talks.

Democrats announced Bentz's selection last week. Bentz was the legislative aide for outgoing Rep. Michael Barbieri, maintaining constituent relations and assisting with policy for the lawmaker. Barbieri is leaving to take a $144,000 state job heading up the state's Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

O'Shaughnessy-Coleman, who has never run for office, raised her five children, two with autism, in Newark. She is a volunteer with several churches, Brandywine High School, Padua Academy, and the Salesianum School.

"Over the nearly 25 years I've lived here I've learned that most of my neighbors have had to confront their own unique challenges. I'm running for office to speak out for those that have too often not had a voice. I'm running because I want to help," she said in a written statement.

Republicans are hoping her message will resonate in a district that was a former stronghold for the party. Former Speaker of the House Terry Spence, now a lobbyist, held the seat for Republicans for 28 years, until he was defeated in 2008 by Barbieri. O'Shaughnessy-Coleman volunteered for Spence during his time as a legislator.

Bentz, reached Monday before the Republican's announcement, said his experience working with the residents of the district while serving as Barbieri's aide is a benefit.

"I've been working with the residents of the district for several years now... and I understand their concerns," Bentz said.

One of the first votes that could come would be if legislators return to Dover for a special session to override Gov. Jack Markell's veto of a measure that allows parents to opt-out of the state test.

Bentz said he would "strongly consider" voting for an override. Barbieri voted for the legislation the first time it was in front of House lawmakers and did not vote the second time.

A date has not yet been set for the special election, but it is expected in September.

Contact Jon Offredo at (302) 678-4271, on Twitter @jonoffredo or at joffredo@delawareonline.com.