For immediate release, June 18, 2010
Contact: Larry Nagengast, (302) 373-5254 or larry@chipflowers.com

Jones-Potter overlooks Democratic voters, Flowers campaign claims

Appointed incumbent’s statements are premature with internal polls showing Flowers is stronger candidate

Declaring that the contest for the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer will be resolved by the voters, the Flowers for Treasurer campaign criticized the appointed incumbent, Velda Jones-Potter, for prematurely implying that the race for the party’s nomination is nearly over with internal polls showing Flowers as the stronger candidate.

In a news release announcing her political endorsement by the New Castle County Democratic Executive Committee, Ms. Jones-Potter said that endorsement gives her “a virtual stranglehold” on the nomination. Her statement also lamented that the two-way battle for the nomination requires an “unnecessary primary”, ignoring the voters of New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.

“Ms. Jones-Potter’s comments are insulting to Democratic voters throughout the state. Party leaders may make endorsements to incumbents, but in an election, the voters make the decisions that count,” said Dustin Parker, campaign manager for candidate Chip Flowers.

“As a candidate who has never received a single vote in an election for public office, Ms. Jones-Potter is showing uncharacteristic arrogance with her suggestion that it is unnecessary for members of our party to exercise their constitutional rights to cast a ballot,” Parker said.

“Ms. Jones-Potter also appears to have forgotten that she was the second Democrat to enter the race, and that was after she said she did not intend to seek election, so the only reason there is a primary is because Ms. Jones-Potter herself forced it,” Parker added.

Ms. Jones-Potter was appointed State Treasurer in January 2009 by Gov. Jack Markell, to fill the remainder of his unexpired term.

“To suggest that a political endorsement by party leaders from New Castle County provides her with “a virtual stranglehold” on the nomination ignores recent party history,” Parker said. In the 2008 gubernatorial race, the party leadership backed Lt. Gov. John Carney for the nomination, but it was Markell, running without the support of party leaders, who won the primary and then the general election.

“The race for the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer is a battle of ideas, not of political endorsements. The votes that count are the ones Democrats will cast in the primary on Sept. 14, when they determine which candidate has the better ideas,” candidate Flowers said. “Democrats believe in the power of the ballot box. Elections are not meant to be unnecessary inconveniences for those who would rather receive an appointment than to engage in a rigorous debate and discussion of ideas.”

Flowers has developed a comprehensive proposal for strengthening the operations of the State Treasurer’s office. That proposal, called the Flowers Framework, is available online at www.chipflowers.com. Ms. Jones-Potter’s endorsement-studded website, votevelda.com, includes a brief, four-paragraph summary of campaign issues. As of this date Ms. Jones-Potter has not responded to initiatives from the Flowers campaign to discuss scheduling campaign debates.

Flowers, a Wilmington attorney and longtime Democratic political analyst who lives in Middletown, is founder and managing member of the Flowers Counsel Group, LLC, which advises major businesses on contractual agreements for major purchases and mergers and acquisitions. His global and Fortune 500 clients include DuPont, AstraZeneca, Bank of America, Barclay’s Bank Delaware, ING Bank FSB, Harvard University and the Buccini/Pollin Group.

For immediate release, June 14, 2010
Contact: Larry Nagengast, (302) 373-5254
or larry@chipflowers.com

Flowers Calls on Jones-Potter to Schedule Public Debates

Treasurer Candidate Wants Voters to Hear, Compare Rivals’ Views

Delaware Democratic State Treasurer Candidate Chip Flowers called upon his appointed opponent, Velda Jones-Potter, to engage in a series of statewide debates to provide Delawareans with an opportunity to discuss the future of the State Treasurer’s Office.

“The position of State Treasurer is one of the most important elected offices in Delaware,” Flowers said. “It is critical that voters know how the candidates would lead the office and how they will contribute to strengthening the state’s economic well-being. With over 37,000 Delawareans unemployed, the time is long overdue to provide voters with an opportunity to decide which candidate has the best plan to restore prosperity to Delaware.”

While Flowers created an internal task force to work with community organizations to schedule the debates, his primary opponent, Velda Jones-Potter, wants to delay making debate plans, the Flowers for Treasurer campaign said today.

“We have contacted the Jones-Potter team, but they don’t want to discuss debate plans until July 15,” said campaign manager Dustin Parker. “Voters want more opportunities to see and hear the candidates. Delays in scheduling debates are not in the best interest of the voters and all officials holding public office must be accountable to the people of this state, even if they are appointed.”

Parker further stated, “Our internal poll numbers show without question that Flowers is the Democratic Party’s strongest statewide candidate for the office and voters believe that the office must be more engaged in key economic issues impacting Delaware.”

The Flowers campaign is proposing a series of five debates, one each in Wilmington, New Castle County, Kent County, eastern Sussex County and western Sussex County, before the primary election on Sept. 14. The last debate would be held in early August.

Flowers has released his proposals as The Flowers Framework, a summary of initiatives to improve the state’s fiscal outlook, more closely monitor economic trends and ensure efficient operation of the Treasurer’s office.

“We believe that Delawareans want and need a State Treasurer who will take a leadership role and partner with the Governor on key economic decisions. For a six-figure salary in these difficult times, voters deserve a treasurer who can do more than write checks, issue bonds occasionally and pay bills.” Flowers said.

Flowers, a Wilmington attorney who lives in Middletown, is founder and managing member of the Flowers Counsel Group, LLC, which advises major businesses on contractual agreements for major purchases and mergers and acquisitions. His global and Fortune 500 clients include DuPont, AstraZeneca, Bank of America, Barclay’s Bank Delaware, ING Bank FSB, Harvard University and the Buccini/Pollin Group.

Any organization interested in sponsoring a debate for State Treasurer may contact Dustin Parker at dustin@chipflowers.com, or call 302-656-7360.

For immediate release, June 11, 2010

Contact: Larry Nagengast, (302) 373-5254 or larry@chipflowers.com

Flowers Receives Endorsement Recommendation From 28th Representative District

In a big week for the Flowers for Treasurer Campaign, Delaware Democratic State Treasurer Candidate Chip Flowers received a unanimous recommendation of endorsement from members of the 28th Representative District. The 28th Representative District includes Smyrna and northeastern Kent County, stretching south into the Dover area. The endorsement was the first granted to a Democratic candidate in the Treasurer’s race by a Representative District in Kent County.   

“The recommendation of the members of the 28th Representative District in Kent County demonstrates the statewide reach of our campaign and offers further evidence that Democrats are grasping the potential of the Flowers Framework, our campaign’s comprehensive plan to restore prosperity to Delaware,” Flowers said. “I am humbled and grateful to receive the endorsement recommendation of the 28th Representative District and I am grateful for the support of the voters of Kent County. We will maintain our campaign’s focus on earning the support of every voter on Election Day, and we look forward to working with all Democrats in Kent County and throughout the state to achieve success in November.”

For immediate release, June 11, 2010

Contact: Larry Nagengast, 302 373-5254 or larry@chipflowers.com

Flowers Receives Endorsement Recommendation From 35th Representative District

Delaware Democratic State Treasurer Candidate Chip Flowers has received a recommendation of endorsement from members of the 35th Representative District. The 35th Representative District covers northwestern Sussex County, including Greenwood and Bridgeville, and extending into a portion of Georgetown. The endorsement was the first granted to a Democratic candidate in the Treasurer’s race by a Representative District in Sussex County.   

“The recommendation of the members of the 35th Representative District demonstrates the broad appeal of our campaign and offers further evidence that Democrats support the Flowers Framework, our campaign’s comprehensive plan to restore prosperity to Delaware,” Flowers said. “I am humbled to receive the endorsement recommendation of the 35th Representative District and I am grateful for their support. We will continue to work to earn the support of every voter on Election Day, and we look forward to working with all Democrats in Sussex County and throughout the state to achieve success in November.”

For immediate release, June 11, 2010

Contact: Larry Nagengast, 302 373-5254 or larry@chipflowers.com

Flowers Receives Endorsement From Communications Workers Local 13101

Delaware Democratic State Treasurer Candidate Chip Flowers has received the endorsement of Local 13101 of the Communications Workers of America. The endorsement was the first granted by a labor union to a Democratic candidate in the State Treasurer’s race.   

The Communications Workers of America is the largest telecommunications union in the world, representing nearly 700,000 workers in public and private sector employment.

“I am humbled to receive the endorsement of Local 13101 of the Communications Workers of America,” Flowers said. “This endorsement offers further evidence that the working men and women of Delaware support the objectives of the Flowers Framework, our campaign’s comprehensive plan to restore prosperity to Delaware.”

“The Flowers campaign will remain focused on earning the support of every voter on Election Day, and we look forward to working with all union members and Democrats throughout the state to achieve success in November,” Flowers said.

Delaware Democratic State Treasurer Candidate Chip Flowers received a recommendation of endorsement from members of the 8th Representative District.  The 8th Representative District covers Southern New Castle (including Middletown and Townsend).

Flowers said, “I am honored to receive the support of the 8th Representative District for the State Treasurer’s race – which covers my hometown of Middletown.  Though I am appreciative of the tremendous amount of support that my campaign has received over the past few months, this endorsement recommendation means a great deal to me.  I am grateful that the members of the 8th Representative District are supportive of my new vision for Delaware’s State Treasurer’s Office.  As always, I will continue to work toward earning the support of all Delawareans through the ballot box in September and November so we may begin working on ‘restoring prosperity’ to Delaware.”

Chip Flowers, Democratic Party candidate for State Treasurer, issued the following statement on the announcement that PBF Energy Partners will reopen the Delaware City Refinery in 2011.

“I would like to commend PBF Energy Partners, especially its CEO, Thomas D. O’Malley, for its acquisition of the Delaware City Refinery from the Valero Corp. I would also salute Governor Jack Markell, the leadership of the General Assembly, labor unions and other citizens of Delaware whose collaboration made this purchase possible.

Delawareans were disheartened last November when Valero announced that the refinery would close, costing hundreds of workers their jobs. At that time, I suggested that the Markell administration and members of the General Assembly to determine the economic impact of the refinery on the state and to pursue all possible options before allowing the refinery to close.

The leadership of PBF Energy Partners has a demonstrated record of success in revitalizing refineries and a vision that includes reducing emissions that harm our environment and producing renewable fuels that are essential to the continued economic development of our state and our nation.

I am looking forward to seeing the improvements PBF Energy Partners has promised transform the Delaware City Refinery into a model for others to emulate and provide much-needed employment for our state’s hard-working men and women. The modernization and revitalization of the Delaware City Refinery is an important step toward Restoring Prosperity in the First State.”

For Release on May 31, 2010

Statement by Chip Flowers, Democratic Candidate for Delaware State Treasurer

“I hope each of you have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day holiday, while remembering the tremendous sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.  As a product of a military family who lived most of my younger years stationed overseas, I will always remember the true price of freedom and democracy.  We are all indebted to those individuals willing to serve our country in furtherance of the principles that unite our nation and state.  On this day, we cast aside divisive politics to come together for a greater purpose -  to remember the sacrifices made by our fellow Americans throughout the history of this great country.  

During this holiday, I hope that each of you will pray for the families of those Delawareans who paid the ultimate sacrifice during our conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Without question, we will never forget you and we will support you during this difficult time.  We shall stand together.

To those Delawareans on assignment, I wish you well and we look forward to your return.  In the meantime, I wish each of you and your families a wonderful Memorial Day.”

Delaware Democratic State Treasurer Candidate Chip Flowers received a recommendation of endorsement from members of the 27th Representative District.  The 27th Representative District covers Southern New Castle (including Bear and Newark); specifically, portions of Routes 40, 896, Glasgow Avenue, Summit Bridge Road, Pencader Drive, Frenchtown Road  and the Peoples Plaza and the Fox Run Shopping Centers.

Flowers said, “I want to thank all of the members of the 27th Representative District for supporting my new vision for Delaware’s State Treasurer’s Office.  We must not ignore the need for change in this important office – our economy continues to struggle with high unemployment and my Restoring Prosperity plan is a step towards helping Delaware progress along the road to recovery.  Though I am grateful for the endorsement of the 27th Representative District, I will continue to work towards earning the support of all Delawareans through the ballot box in September and November.”