The 2008 Delaware gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 2008, to elect the governor of Delaware. Democratic state treasurer Jack Markell defeated Republican former justice Bill Lee. Markell succeeded Democratic incumbent Ruth Ann Minner who was ineligible to seek a third term.
As of 2008, Democrats had controlled the Delaware governorship for 16 years. In an upset, state treasurer Markell defeated lieutenant governor John Carney 51%–49% for the Democratic nomination on September 9, when Carney was considered the favorite. The Republican nominee was former state Superior Court Judge Bill Lee, who defeated pilot Michael Protrack. Lee was the Republican nominee for governor in 2004, and lost to Minner by a narrow margin.
The race received more attention with the potential elevation of U.S. senator Joe Biden as Barack Obama's choice as his vice presidential nominee.
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Jack Markell, Delaware state treasurer Eliminated in primary John Carney, lieutenant governor of Delaware
Results
Republican primary Candidates Nomine Bill Lee, former Delaware Superior Court justice and nominee for governor in 2004 Eliminated in primary Michael Protack, airline pilot
Results
Third parties and independents Blue Enigma Party Candidates Nominee Jeffrey Brown, bartender and party founder
General election
Predictions SourceRankingAs ofThe Cook Political ReportOctober 16, 2008 Rothenberg Political Report November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal Ball November 3, 2008Real Clear PoliticsNovember 4, 2008
Polling Source Date JackMarkell (D) BillLee (R)Survey USASurvey USA October 28, 2008 62% 27%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports October 10, 2008 62% 34%West Chester University/WHYYWest Chester University/WHYY October 9, 2008 61% 30%Fairleigh Dickinson September 23, 2008 61% 27%Survey USASurvey USA September 23, 2008 64% 29%
Results
By county CountyJack MarkellDemocraticWilliam LeeRepublicanAll Others#%#%#%Kent41,07663.2523,64636.412180.34New Castle180,24073.962,43225.61,2120.5Sussex45,54552.7340,58446.982510.29 Totals266,86167.52126,66232.051,6810.43 Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Kent (largest city: Dover) Sussex (largest city: Seaford)
See also 2008 United States elections
References
External links Delaware Commissioner of Elections Delaware Governor candidates at Project Vote Smart Delaware Governor race from OurCampaigns.com Delaware Governor race from 2008 Race Tracker Campaign contributions from Follow the Money Official campaign websites (archived) John Carney, Democratic candidate Bill Lee, Republican candidate Jack Markell, Democratic candidate