Delaware Democrats are beginning to prepare for what could be a big election year in 2016.
Hundreds gathered for the Sussex County Democratic Jamboree on Saturday.
The Jamboree is typically an event those looking to get into politics or seeking a higher office use to announce their intentions.
But few such moves were made Saturday at Cape Henlopen State Park. Instead, the focus was on Vice President Joe Biden’s surprise visit and Congressman John Carney’s absence while he recovers from hip surgery.
Carney is widely believed to be running for governor in 2016. State Rep. Bryon Short and State Sen. Bryan Townsend have both said they’d consider aiming for Carney’s seat if he chooses to leave Congress. Both Short and Townsend were in attendance Saturday.
Most of the announced candidates present were seeking statewide offices – several for the vacant Lt. Governor’s chair.
Despite the gains made by state Republicans in the 2014 midterms, those on the left, including Gov. Jack Markell, say they aren’t concerned about losing more ground next year.
"We have a very significant advantage in terms of registered Democrats. What we have to do is we have to have a good story to tell – which we do – and we have to tell it well and we have to appeal not just to Democrats, but to some Republicans and a lot of independents,” said Markell.
And Democrats get early chance to see how that stort plays with voters before 2016. There's a special election in a Newark-area district next month where a loss would cost Democrats their supermajority in the House.
Attorney General Matt Denn says he thinks his party will take that possibility seriously.
“I hope that we’re concerned. As soon as we’re not concerned then you start losing elections," said Denn. "I think people know how important it is and they’re going to work hard and I understand this event is sold out, so that’s a good sign for me too.”
That special election in the 18th House District takes place September 12th. It pits Democrat David Bentz against Republican Eileen O’Shaugnessy Coleman.