When I spoke last week of what was at stake in November, I mentioned the possibility of us losing seats. In my mind, I was thinking about the challenge facing my friend, Del. Joe Bouchard.
Those who know me well know that I don’t casually toss around the term “friend.” Until he ran in 2007, I had never met nor heard of Joe. Over the course of that campaign and since, I have come to have tremendous respect for Joe, both on a personal level and as a representative in the House. His is a voice that we cannot afford to do without. His knowledge of the issues and his commitment to public service make him truly a treasure.
So I’ve already decided that as soon as this primary is over, helping Joe get re-elected will be my priority. He faces a tough challenge: a rematch with 2007 opponent Chris Stolle, the younger brother of State Senator Ken Stolle. What makes this election different from the last one is that both the Stolle brothers will be on the ballot as Ken will be running for sheriff. Already the race is heating up.
In an email to supporters Monday, Joe alerted us to more than $15,000 in contributions received by Chris Stolle from the Republican State Leadership Committee. As I search the State Board of Elections website, it appears that the RSLC hasn’t donated to any other candidate this year. They have their eyes on the seat in the 83rd.
Joe needs to counter this. I hope you will join me in sending him a contribution today.
Picture above from my 2007 Bash. Joe was there last year and will be there again this year.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I’ve seen Bouchard at events. He is quiet, aloof, and does not approach people. He is weak. No wonder the repugs are going after him.
I live in Joe’s district, I am a lifelong Democrat, and I’ll be voting for Stolle. Bouchard is a loser and the Dems deserve to lose the seat if this is the best candidate they can run.
And he called YOU negative, Vivian!
Yeah well, I think it’s time for the banhammer.
Ken Stolle may well not be the juggernaut everyone thinks he is. He hasn’t won a contested election since he first beat Sonny Stallings for his Senate seat 18 years ago. The only opposition he’s had since then was in the 1997 Republican AG primary, where he finished 3rd in a 4-wsy race.
And 2 years ago, he was on the ballot with his little brother and no opponent to waste time and money on, yet somehow Joe Bouchard pulled it out. I’m optimistic.