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Gov. Markell says Carney would be "effective" governor

Anne Hoffman/Delaware Public Media

Congressman John Carney (D), considered a strong potential candidate for Delaware governor in 2016, got an endorsement from the man who beat him for that office in 2008 -- Governor Jack Markell (D).

Markell told Politico over the weekend that he wants to see Carney, a former lieutenant governor, take the state's top job.

“I hope that Congressman Carney does choose to run. I think he’s been an excellent congressman," Markell told Delaware Public Media. "I think he’s been a great partner and he clearly understands state government inside and out.”

Markell was state treasurer when he beat Carney in the 2008 Democratic primary for governor – a race Carney initially had been expected to win.

He says he’s not urging Carney onto the campaign trail -- but that he’d fit the role well.

“I know having been a candidate many times myself, that’s something for a candidate to decide with his or her family. I’m guessing they’ll be having that discussion. I just know that if he were to be governor, I think he’d be very effective.”

Carney has not publically announced his bid for the office, saying it’s too soon after the death of presumptive candidate Beau Biden to discuss the race. A spokesman for the congressman says his position hasn’t changed.

No Democrat has officially announced their candidacy for governor, though New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon has been rumored to be interested.

State Sen. Colin Bonini (R-Dover South) and former state trooper Lacey Lafferty are both seeking the Republican nomination.

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