A Memo from Democrats on O'Donnell's Win

From Sen. Robert Menendez, chairman of the Democratic Party's Senate campaign arm, on conservative candidate Christine O'Donnell's victory over party-backed frontrunner Congressman Mike Castle in the Delaware Senate race:

TO: Interested Parties

FR: Chairman Robert Menendez

DT: September 14, 2010

RE: The Delaware Senate Race

Tonight Mike Castle joined the ranks of Trey Grayson, Rob Simmons, Sue Lowden, Charlie Crist, Jane Norton, Robert Bennett, and Lisa Murkowski as Republican establishment candidates who could not survive an insurrection in their own party. In all of these states, rank and file Republicans rebelled against the Washington Republican establishment who are responsible for the mess we find ourselves in today.

In turn, Christine O'Donnell joins the ranks of Sharron Angle, Rand Paul, Ken Buck, and Ron Johnson - all of whom care more about imposing a strict social doctrine than creating jobs. Even the Delaware Republican Party Chairman has said O'Donnell is "not a viable candidate for any office in the state of Delaware," and "could not be elected dog catcher."

Chris Coons has been energetically campaigning across the state on his strong record of reforming government, cutting wasteful spending, and working with local businesses to create jobs. He is a proven reformer who will work to change the broken systems of Washington. His campaign has been focused on getting the economy moving again, creating jobs, and strengthening Delaware's middle class.

Democrats begin the general election with several advantages, including an 18% voter registration edge over Republicans. President Obama and Vice-President Biden carried Delaware by 25% points in 2008. But for Democrats to be successful in this campaign we must be aggressive in defining the choice for voters. Christine O'Donnell would do even more for the special interests in Washington that fared so well under George Bush while Chris Coons will fight hard to create jobs, and strengthen Delaware's middle class.